scattering

1 of 2

noun

scat·​ter·​ing ˈska-tə-riŋ 

1

: an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered

2

: something scattered: such as

a

: a small number or quantity interspersed here and there

a scattering of visitors

b

: the random change in direction of the particles constituting a beam or wave front due to collision with particles of the medium traversed

scattering

2 of 2

adjective

1

: going in various directions

2

: found or placed far apart and in no order

3

: divided among many or several

scattering votes

scatteringly

ˈska-tə-riŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• disbandment
• dispersal
• dispersion
• dissipation

Examples of scattering in a Sentence

Noun

the scattering of the protesters suddenly turned violent and chaotic

a scattering of people in the mostly empty theater

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The restaurant itself looks like a slightly theatrical living room, with its scattering of Persian rugs and tall candlesticks. —Laura May Todd Enea Arienti, New York Times, 17 May 2024

The small iris and scattering of light work together to create multipoint starbursts around small points of light. —PCMAG, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scattering

• elastic scattering
• inelastic scattering
• Rayleigh scattering

Kids Definition

scattering

1 of 2 noun

scat·​ter·​ing ˈskat-ə-riŋ 

1

: an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered

2

: something scattered

especially : a small number or amount placed or found here and there

a scattering of visitors

scattering

2 of 2 adjective

1

: going in various directions

2

: found or placed far apart and in no pattern

Medical Definition

scattering

noun

scat·​ter·​ing

: the random change in direction of the particles constituting a beam or wave front due to collision with particles of the medium traversed