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

This shift indicates scattering from smaller fragments and aligns with the slightly delayed drop in the Guinier amplitude, confirming that many molecules have already broken apart.

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Luo also points out that time-resolved scattering measurements and high-resolution imaging, which can capture these processes in real time down to the subcellular level, are crucial for this work and for future studies.

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He stood at the counter and shoved the food into his mouth like a starved animal, scattering crumbs over himself and the floor.

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Dr. Westminster reached into his pockets and busied himself scattering feed on the ground.

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The sumbook was opened, spine cracked, pencil marks in the margins, surrounded by a scattering of paper.

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