backscatter

[ bak-skat-er ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the deflection of nuclear particles or of radiation in a scattering process through an angle greater than 90°.

backscatter

/ băk′skăt′ər /

1. The deflection of radiation or particles by electromagnetic or nuclear forces through angles greater than 90° to the initial direction of travel.
2. The radiation or particles so deflected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backscatter¹

First recorded in 1955–60; back ² + scatter

Example Sentences

What I like about this photograph is the imperfection of backscatter, recreating space and making it perfect to me.

From BBC

The study relies on a special kind of radar data known as “backscatter”—it’s essentially a measurement of the waves reflected back to the satellite emitting the radar signal.

From Scientific American

The light, called backscatter, can be analyzed to find the frequency of wingbeats, which lets researchers determine the numbers and species of insects passing through.

From Scientific American

It’s all very interesting, but I was mesmerized by the backscatter the most.

From The Verge

Liquid water has a telltale backscatter pattern in radar data.

From BBC