scattering

[ skat-er-ing ]

adjective

1. distributed or occurring here and there at irregular intervals; scattered. scattered.
2. straggling, as an assemblage of parts.
3. (of votes) cast in small numbers for various candidates.
4. distributing, dispersing, or separating.

noun

1. a small, scattered scattered number or quantity.
2. Physics. the process in which a wave or beam of particles is diffused or deflected by collisions with particles of the medium that it traverses.

scattering

/ ˈskætərɪŋ /

noun

1. a small amount
2. physics the process in which particles, atoms, etc, are deflected as a result of collision

scattering

/ skăt′ər-ĭng /

1. The spreading of a stream of particles or a beam of rays, as of light, over a range of directions as a result of collisions with other particles. The sky appears blue due to the tendency of air molecules to scatter blue and violet light more than light of other frequencies. The scattering probabilities and patterns of subatomic particles, accelerated by particle accelerators and aimed at a target, is a major component of experimental particle physics.
2. See also diffusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of scattering¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; scatter, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

She was executed for scattering leaflets at the University of Munich, decrying the inhumanity of the war.

From Salon

With a scattering of public and private spaces, downtown Los Angeles is perhaps the most park-poor part of the city.

From Los Angeles Times

The scattering of such leaflets could threaten the "lives and safety of our residents", Kim added, as "inter-Korean relations are rapidly deteriorating".

From BBC

Opening bags and scattering contents on the ground, Dave said the hungry hens have their favourites - grapes and cabbage - "but they'll have a go at eating anything"

From BBC

Crews have been scattering millions of seeds of native plants to restore vegetation on 2,200 acres of reservoir bottomlands that were underwater for generations.

From Los Angeles Times