An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. (v.tr.) To divide and dispense in portions; to disperse through a space or over an area.
   

2. (v.intr.) Math.: To be → distributive. → distribution.

Etymology (EN): Distribute, from L. distributus p.p. of distribute “deal out in portions,” from → dis- + tribuere “to pay, assign, allot,” from tribus “tribe.”

Etymology (PE): Vâbâžidan, infinitive of vâbâž, from vâ-→ dis- + bâž “tribute, toll, impost,” from Mid.Pers.
bâj, bâž “tribute, tax,” baxtan “to distribute,” baxt “luck, fate,” O.Pers. bāji- “tribute, tax,” Av. bag- “to distribute, divide, allot,” cf. Skt. bhaj- “to share, distribute, apportion,” Gk. phagein “to eat (to have a share of food)”; PIE base *bhag- “to share out, apportion;” → division.