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

However, the supplier questioned how the money will be distributed – and warned that vulnerable firms could not afford to take on more debt.

From BBC

By its end, it will have distributed more than £14.5m of government funding to areas where it will be most effective in getting women and girls into rugby.

From BBC

Some have called for changes to the scheme, including a proposal that funds be distributed directly to parents so that they can prepare meals for their children instead.

From BBC

The natural gas credits are distributed only in April.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly after the equity investment, St. John “distributed over $11 million dollars to himself,” the demand letter said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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