distributive

From Middle French distributif.

• IPA^(key): /dɪsˈtɹɪbjʊtɪv/

distributive (comparative more distributive, superlative most distributive)

1. Relating to distribution.
2. Tending to distribute; serving to divide and assign in portions; dealing a proper share to each.
   • 1709, [Jonathan Swift], A Project for the Advancement of Religion, and the Reformation of Manners. […], London: […] Benj[amin] Tooke, […], →OCLC, page 40:

     [I]t is worth obſerving the diſtributive Juſtice of the Authors, which is conſtantly applied to the Puniſhment of Virtue, and the Reward of Vice; […]

3. (mathematics) A property of functions that have a rule describing how the function can be performed to the individual components of another operation.

   If function f is distributive with respect to function g, then ${\displaystyle f(a,g(b,c))=g(f(a,b),f(a,c))}$.

   If the operation ${\displaystyle \star }$ is distributive with respect to the operation ${\displaystyle \circ }$, then ${\displaystyle a\star (b\circ c)=(a\star b)\circ (a\star c)}$.

4. (logic) Assigning the species of a general term.
5. (grammar) Expressing separation; denoting a taking singly, not collectively.

   a distributive adjective or pronoun, such as "each", "either", or "every"

   a distributive numeral, such as Latin "bini" (two by two)

distributive (plural distributives)

1. (grammar) distributive case
2. (grammar) A distributive adjective or pronoun.
3. (mathematics) A distributive numeral.

distributive

1. feminine singular of distributif

distributive

1. feminine plural of distributivo

distributive

1. definite natural masculine singular of distributiv