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

/ skăt′ər-ĭng /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scattering¹

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

Example Sentences

Then, the team decreased the temperature to make the atoms fill up the lowest energy states, suppressing the scattering of light.

From Science News

You have to modify your entire body to minimize any scattering or reflection of light.

From Science News

In the sum of all possible interactions that could happen during a particle scattering event, the mathematical term representing each interaction splits into two parts, much as the number 6 splits into 2 × 3.

From Quanta Magazine

She said she is making plans for friends to participate in the scattering of her daughter’s ashes.

From Washington Blade

He led me inside, into a hall with a scattering of young people, all of whom cheered as soon as they saw him.

From MIT Technology Review

Scattering the truly disadvantaged was much easier when so many were flood-displaced.

From The Daily Beast

Scattering wooden villages, each a line of hovels, appeared at long intervals.

From Project Gutenberg

Scattering in various directions we ragged about until tea-time.

From Project Gutenberg

Scattering down side streets, alley-ways, behind lumber-piles, everywhere—anywhere.

From Project Gutenberg

Scattering with wild cries of fear, they could be seen running for their lives toward the wood.

From Project Gutenberg

Scattering shots are heard all along and around our line—the trumpets of the cavalry ring out "To arms!"

From Project Gutenberg