distributive

dis·trib·u·tive

adj \di-ˈstri-byü-tiv, -byə-\

Definition of DISTRIBUTIVE

1

: of or relating to distribution: as a : dealing a proper share to each of a group b : diffusing more or less evenly

2

of a word : referring singly and without exception to the members of a group <each, either, and none are distributive>

3

a : being an operation (as multiplication in a(b + c) = ab + ac) that produces the same result when operating on the whole mathematical expression as when operating on each part and collecting the results b : being or relating to a rule or property concerning a distributive operation <the distributive property of multiplication with respect to addition>

— dis·trib·u·tive·ly adverb

— dis·trib·u·tiv·i·ty \-ˌstri-byü-ˈti-və-tē\ noun

First Known Use of DISTRIBUTIVE

15th century

Rhymes with DISTRIBUTIVE

attributive, contributive, retributive