scattering

scat·ter·ing  (sktr-ng)

n.

1. Something scattered, especially a small, irregularly occurring amount or quantity: a scattering of applause.

2. Physics The dispersal of a beam of particles or of radiation into a range of directions as a result of physical interactions.

adj.

Placed irregularly and far apart; scattered.

---

scatter·ing·ly adv.

---

scattering  (sktr-ng)

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. See also diffusioncross section

---

Scattering a sparse amount or number. See also scantling.

Examples: scattering of affections, 1662; of good and evil, 1662; of learning; of nations, 1545; of pearls, 1908; of rays, 1866; of thoughts.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	scattering - a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly; "the first scatterings of green"; "a sprinkling of grey at his temples" sprinkling small indefinite amount, small indefinite quantity - an indefinite quantity that is below average size or magnitude
	2.	scattering - the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions extinction - the reduction of the intensity of radiation as a consequence of absorption and radiation natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity"
	3.	scattering - a light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby sprinkle, sprinkling rain shower, shower - a brief period of precipitation; "the game was interrupted by a brief shower"
	4.	scattering - spreading widely or driving off dispersion Diaspora - the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel; from the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 587-86 BC when they were exiled to Babylonia up to the present time dissipation - breaking up and scattering by dispersion; "the dissipation of the mist" spread, spreading - process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
	5.	scattering - the act of scattering strewing, scatter spreading, spread - act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time

---

scattering

noun sprinkling, few, handful, scatter, smattering, smatter