distributive

adjective

dis·​trib·​u·​tive di-ˈstri-byü-tiv How to pronounce distributive (audio) -byə- How to pronounce distributive (audio)
1
: of or relating to distribution: such 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 (such 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
distributively adverb
distributivity noun

Examples of distributive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This is a form of shock, also known as distributive shock, which is characterized by excessive vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 The government failed at distributive justice, not at cultural recognition. Jan-Werner Müller, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2019 Affordability is at once a significant challenge for employers and a major component of distributive justice. Ari Hoffman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Demands from the developing world for a New International Economic Order that would give a better deal to primary producers and low-income countries were expressed in the oil shock of 1973, which led to hopes of distributive justice. Martin Daunton, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for distributive 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distributive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near distributive

Cite this Entry

“Distributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distributive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

distributive

adjective
dis·​trib·​u·​tive dis-ˈtrib-yət-iv How to pronounce distributive (audio)
1
: of or relating to distribution : serving to distribute
2
: of, having, or being the property of giving the same mathematical result when an operation is carried out on a whole expression and when it is carried out on each part of an expression with the results then collected together
the distributive property of multiplication means a(b + c) = ab + ac
distributively adverb

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