Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

backscatter

or back·scat·ter·ing

[bak-skat-er or bak-skat-er-ing]
noun Physics.
  1. the deflection of nuclear particles or of radiation in a scattering process through an angle greater than 90°.
Show More

Origin of backscatter

First recorded in 1955–60; back2 + scatter
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
backscatter in Science

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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.