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

There are no UK-wide laws against scattering ashes, but permission from the landowner is required for public or private land, and environmental guidelines must be followed.

Read more on BBC

The blast was so massive that it was heard across a large distance, with debris scattering across half a square mile, he added.

Read more on Barron's

“Its coalition is scattering all over the place,” says John Curtice, a pollster.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times