distribution n.
1. A software source tree packaged for distribution; but see
kit. Since about 1996 unqualified use
of this term often implies `Linux
distribution'. The short for distro
is often used for this sense. 2. A vague term encompassing
mailing lists and Usenet newsgroups (but not BBS fora); any
topic-oriented message channel with multiple recipients. 3. An
information-space domain (usually loosely correlated with
geography) to which propagation of a Usenet message is
restricted; a much-underutilized feature.