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 form 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.