Distributing

dis·trib·ute  (d-strbyt)

v. dis·trib·ut·ed, dis·trib·ut·ing, dis·trib·utes

v.tr.

1. To divide and dispense in portions.

2.

a. To supply (goods) to retailers.

b. To deliver or pass out: distributing handbills on the street.

3.

a. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn.

b. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.

4. To separate into categories; classify.

5. Logic To use (a term) so as to include all individuals or entities of a given class.

v.intr.

Mathematics To be distributive.

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[Middle English distributen, from Latin distribuere, distribt- : dis-, apart; see dis- + tribuere, to give; see tribute.]

Synonyms: distribute, divide, dispense, dole¹, deal¹, ration
These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers.
Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs.
Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication.
Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy.
It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students.
Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player.
Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war.