Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electrical device in an internal combustion engine: A distributer is a component that directs high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing sequence.
   • A person or company that supplies goods to retailers or other businesses: A distributer is an intermediary in the supply chain who markets and sells merchandise.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Device):

  • The mechanic replaced the faulty distributer in the car's engine.
  • A broken distributer cap can cause the engine to misfire.

• Noun (Person/Company):

  • The company is a major distributer of electronic components in the region.
  • As the sole distributer for the brand, they handle all wholesale orders.

Advanced Usage

• "Authorized distributer": A company officially appointed by a manufacturer to sell its products.
  • You should buy from an authorized distributer to ensure you get a genuine product with a warranty.

Variants and Related Words

• Distribute (verb): To give out or deliver something to a number of people or places.
  • The charity will distribute food to those in need.
• Distribution (noun): The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients; the way something is spread over an area.
  • The map shows the population distribution across the country.
• Distributor (noun): This is the more common modern spelling for both meanings of "distributer".

Synonyms

• For the device: Ignition distributor.
• For the person/company: Supplier, wholesaler, dealer, merchant.

Related Phrases

• Supply chain: The sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.
  • The distributer is a key link in the supply chain.

Notes on Usage

• The word "distributer" is an accepted but less common variant spelling. In modern technical and business contexts, "distributor" is the standard and preferred spelling for both definitions. When writing, it is generally advisable to use the spelling "distributor".

Noun

1. electrical device that distributes voltage to the spark plugs of a gasoline engine in the order of the firing sequence
2. someone who markets merchandise