ENGLISH
REFERENCE

distributor

n.
US //dɪˈstɹɪbjətɝ// UK //dɪstɹˈɪbjuːtɐ// dis·trib·u·tor
  1. 1 business agent (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person or company that buys products from a factory and sells them to shops or businesses.

    an agent or business entity that supplies goods to retailers or other customers within a specific territory.

    Example

    The company is looking for a new distributor to sell its drinks in Europe.

    Example

    The manufacturer terminated the contract after the distributor failed to meet the minimum sales targets for three consecutive quarters.

  2. 2 engine part (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a part in a car engine that sends electricity to each spark plug at the right time.

    a device in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine that directs high-voltage current to the spark plugs in the correct firing order.

    Example

    The car wouldn't start because the distributor cap was cracked and wet.

    Example

    Modern vehicles have largely replaced the mechanical distributor with electronic ignition systems controlled by the engine management unit.

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  1. 3 printing machine (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Science

    an old machine used to put metal letters or ink back in the right place.

    a historical apparatus used in the printing industry for distributing type or spreading ink evenly across rollers.

    Example

    The museum has an old distributor that printers used over a century ago.

    Example

    The apprentice spent hours cleaning the ink distributor to ensure the next print run would have a perfectly even finish.

Origin

From distribute + -or.

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