backscatter

Also back·scat·ter·ing

[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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Liquid water has a telltale backscatter pattern in radar data.

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