distributive

Etymology

From Middle French distributif.

adj

  1. Relating to distribution.
  2. Tending to distribute; serving to divide and assign in portions; dealing a proper share to each.
  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 f(a,g(b,c))=g(f(a,b),f(a,c)).
    If the operation ⋆ is distributive with respect to the operation ∘, then a⋆(b∘c)=(a⋆b)∘(a⋆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)

noun

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

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