View synonyms for

scattering

[skat-er-ing]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

distributed or occurring here and there at irregular intervals; scattered. scattered.
straggling, as an assemblage of parts.
(of votes) cast in small numbers for various candidates.
distributing, dispersing, or separating.

noun

a small, scattered scattered number or quantity.
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

/ ˈ��æ��ə��ɪŋ /

noun

a small amount
physics the process in which particles, atoms, etc, are deflected as a result of collision

scattering

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 diffusion cross section

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scattering¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The change in the appearance of the sun and sky is due to smoke particles in the atmosphere scattering the blue wavelengths of light more, allowing predominantly orange and red hues to reach our eyes.

From

Chapter by chapter, “Flashlight” inches back to its opening, scattering clues to the puzzle of Serk’s disappearance.

From

Gonsolin faced little stress Sunday, scattering three hits and two walks while striking out four.

From

A boy on crutches was assaulted, sending the others scattering through nearby bushland to escape.

From

As Elizabethan folk songs replaced Aldous' voice, Francis took a chrysanthemum and held it to Matthew's nose before scattering its petals across the sheepskin rug.

From

scatter-gun scattering layer

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