Entry Word: distribution

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the act or process of giving out something to each member of a group <we oversaw the distribution of medicine to the natives>

Synonyms allocation, apportionment, dispensation, division, issuance

Related Words disbursement; reapportionment, redistribution

2 the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another <the distribution of those stars has long suggested the form of a dipper> — see order 1