distributed

[dih-strib-yoo-tid]

adjective

1. Computers.

   1. being or relating to a network of devices, workstations, etc., in different locations connected by means of one or more other networks, allowing each member to carry out some or all of the management and processing of the shared information.

      As computers began to connect across the internet, the CPU evolved from being specifically a central control system to become a node within a distributed network.

   2. being or relating to a single database shared across such a network, especially one integrating multiple smaller databases.

      Back then no one was thinking of distributed databases with hundreds of servers working to keep data consistent across the nodes.

2. Linguistics.,  (in distinctive feature analysis) characterized by relatively extensive contact or constriction between the articulating organs, as the in show in contrast to the in so.

3. Statistics.,  showing a specified type of distribution.

   A randomly distributed dominant gene has a prevalence of 75 percent.

Other Word Forms

• undistributed adjective
• well-distributed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of distributed¹

distribute + -ed ²

Example Sentences

In one image distributed by the department, a Sacramento County sheriff’s patch appeared to be affixed to a black backpack.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In areas with frequent rain, the technology could offer a distributed source of clean power for local grids or act as a resource for off-grid needs.

Read more on Science Daily

And how can the work of Admin Night be more evenly distributed?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

More and more, these hacks exploit highly connected digital supply chains—globally distributed networks of people, organizations, hardware, and software that hook into, speak to, and work alongside one another.

Read more on Barron's

Assuming that there was no will, the money would go back to your husband’s estate and be distributed under the state’s intestacy laws.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• appropriated www.thesaurus.com
• assigned www.thesaurus.com
• dispersed www.thesaurus.com
• scattered 
• shared www.thesaurus.com