distributive

From Middle French distributif

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.

   distributive justice

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Jonathan Swift to this entry?)

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 lattice
• semidistributive

• distributive justice

distributive (plural distributives)

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

distributive

1. feminine singular of distributif

distributive

1. feminine plural of distributivo

distributive

1. absolute definite natural masculine form of distributiv.