The '''Metallicity distribution function''' is an important concept in [[stellar evolution|stellar]] and [[galactic evolution]].
OftenIt characterisedis asa curve of what proportion of stars have a particular [[metallicity]] ([Fe/H], the relative abundance of iron and hydrogen,) of a population of stars such as in a cluster or galaxy.<ref name=Fenner2003>[http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=AS02047.pdf Deriving the Metallicity distribution function of galactic systems ]</ref><ref name=Halo-Beers-2005>[http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0508423 The Metallicity Distribution Function of the Halo of the Milky Way]</ref><ref name=M31-Sarajedini-2005>[http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0506653 The Metallicity Distribution Function of Field Stars in M31's Bulge]</ref><ref name=Shlesinger-2011>[http://arxiv.org/abs/1112.2214 The Metallicity Distribution Functions of SEGUE G and K dwarfs: Constraints for Disk Chemical Evolution and Formation]</ref>
