scat·ter·ing (sk t  r- 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. scat ter·ing·ly adv. |
scattering [ˈskætərɪŋ]
n
1. a small amount
2. (Physics / General Physics) Physics the process in which particles, atoms, etc., are deflected as a result of collision
| 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.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | scattering - a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly; "the first scatterings of green"; "a sprinkling of grey at his temples" 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 nearbyrain shower, shower - a brief period of precipitation; "the game was interrupted by a brief shower" | |
| 4. | scattering - spreading widely or driving off 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" | |
| 5. |  scattering - the act of scattering |
scattering
noun sprinkling, few, handful, scatter, smattering, smatter the scattering of houses on the east of the village
Translations
scattering
n (of people) → vereinzeltes Häufchen; (Phys, of light, waves) → Streuung f; a scattering of books/houses → vereinzelte Bücher pl → /Häuser pl; a thin scattering of snow on the hillside → dünner Schneefall auf dem Hügel
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