Definition of: distribute

(dis·trib′yt) v.t. ·ut·ed, ·ut·ing
1. To divide and deal out in shares; apportion; allot.
2. To divide and classify; categorize: to distribute plants into orders.
3. To scatter or spread out, as in an area or over a surface.
4. To divide and arrange into distinctive parts or functions.
5. Logic To use (a term) in its full extension, so as to include all members of the class which it names.
6. Printing To separate (type) and return the letters to the proper boxes. See synonyms under ALLOT, APPORTION, SPREAD. [<L distributus, pp. of distribuere <dis- away + tribuere give, allot]
—dis·trib′ut·a·ble adjective