transitive verb distributed -·uted, distributing -·ut·ing

1. to divide and give out in shares; allot
2. to scatter or spread out, as over a surface
3. to divide and arrange according to a classification; classify
4. to put (things) in various distinct places
5. Obsolete to administer, as justice
6. Printing to break up (set type) and put the letters back in the proper boxes
7. Law to apportion (an intestate's property) to those entitled to it
8. Logic to use (a term) in such a way as to refer to all members of its extension

Etymology: ME distributen < L distributus, pp. of distribuere, to distribute < dis-, apart + tribuere, to allot: see tribute