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

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 cross section

Word History and Origins

Origin of scattering¹

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

Example Sentences

Once they were gone, Carr made her final touches for the night’s silent reading party: laying cushions in store corners and scattering toy mice across the floor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He wound up scattering three hits and a walk over seven innings, striking out nine to earn his fourth victory in five decisions.

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Freezer meals get a little lift from something fresh: a side salad, a quick slaw, a scattering of herbs, a drizzle of sauce.

Read more on Salon

The trick was slicing and dicing Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County, the state’s most populous and densely packed, and scattering its voters among four predominantly Republican districts.

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This reddish appearance is the result of a phenomenon called "Rayleigh scattering" which also makes the sky blue and our sunsets red.

Read more on BBC