distributor

/dis'tribjutə/

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Definition of "Distributor"

The word "distributor" is a noun that has a few related meanings. Generally, it refers to someone or a company that supplies or sells products to other businesses or stores. Think of a distributor as a middleman who connects manufacturers (the people who make products) with retailers (the stores that sell products to customers).

Simple Explanation

1. In Business: A distributor is a company that takes products from a manufacturer and sells them to other businesses or stores. For example, if a company makes toys, a distributor will buy these toys and then sell them to toy stores.

2. In Mechanics: In cars, a distributor is an electrical device that sends electricity to different parts of the engine, specifically to the spark plugs, which help the car start and run.

Usage Instructions

You can use the word "distributor" when talking about businesses and supply chains or when discussing mechanics of a car.

Examples

1. Business Context:

   • "His company is a large distributor of software products, which means they help sell and supply software to stores and other businesses."

2. Mechanical Context:

   • "The mechanic checked the distributor to ensure it was working properly, as it sends voltage to the spark plugs."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, you might see "distributor" used in contexts involving supply chain management or logistics, where it is important to understand how goods move from production to retail.

Word Variants

• Distribute (verb): To give out or spread something over an area or among a group of people.

  • Example: "The charity aims to distribute food to those in need."

• Distribution (noun): The act of sharing something among a group or the way something is shared or spread out.

  • Example: "The distribution of resources is essential for community development."

Different Meanings

1. Business: As mentioned, it refers to a company or person that sells products.
2. Mechanical: As used in cars, it refers to a device that distributes electrical voltage.

Synonyms

• Supplier: A person or company that provides goods or services.
• Wholesaler: A business that sells goods in large quantities at lower prices, usually to retailers.
• Dealer: A person or business that buys and sells specific goods.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "distributor" itself doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases related to distribution, such as:

Conclusion

In summary, a "distributor" is an important part of business, helping to connect manufacturers with stores. It also has a specific meaning in mechanics related to car engines.

Academic

Noun

1. electrical device that distributes voltage to the spark plugs of a gasoline engine in the order of the firing sequence
2. a company that markets merchandise
   • his company is a large distributor of software products
3. a person with authority to allot or deal out or apportion
4. someone who markets merchandise

Synonyms

• distributer
• electrical distributor
• allocator