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.

   [I]t is worth obſerving the diſtributive Juſtice of the Authors, which is conſtantly applied to the Puniſhment of Virtue, and the Reward of Vice; […]

   1709, [Jonathan Swift], A Project for the Advancement of Religion, and the Reformation of Manners. […], London: […] Benj[amin] Tooke, […], →OCLC, page 40

3. mathematicsA 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)).

   1 more example

   If the operation ⋆ is distributive with respect to the operation ∘, then a⋆(b∘c)=(a⋆b)∘(a⋆c).

4. human sciencesAssigning the species of a general term.
5. grammarExpressing separation; denoting a taking singly, not collectively.

   a distributive numeral, such as Latin "bini" (two by two)

   1 more example

   a distributive adjective or pronoun, such as "each", "either", or "every"

plural distributives

1. grammardistributive case
2. grammarA distributive adjective or pronoun.
3. mathematicsA distributive numeral.