/ ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U , C ] the way that sth is shared or exists over a particular area or among a particular group of people :
the unfair distribution of wealth
The map shows the distribution of this species across the world.
They studied the geographical distribution of the disease.
2.
[ U ] the act of giving or delivering sth to a number of people :
the distribution of food and medicines to the flood victims
He was arrested on drug distribution charges.
3.
[ U ] ( business ) the system of transporting and delivering goods :
distribution costs
worldwide distribution systems
marketing, sales and distribution
► dis·tri·bu·tion·al / -ʃənl; NAmE / adjective
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin distributio(n-) , from the verb distribuere , from dis- apart + tribuere assign.