scattering

noun
scat·​ter·​ing | \ ˈska-tə-riŋ How to pronounce scattering (audio) \

Definition of scattering

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

adjective

Definition of scattering (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : going in various directions
2 : found or placed far apart and in no order
3 : divided among many or several scattering votes

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Other Words from scattering

Adjective

scatteringly \ ˈska-​tə-​riŋ-​lē How to pronounce scatteringly (audio) \ adverb

Synonyms for scattering

Synonyms: Noun

disbandment, dispersal, dispersion, dissipation

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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

Almost every person throughout the existence of humankind has looked up at the night sky and seen more than just a random scattering of light. Simon Cropper, Quartz, "Why do different cultures see such similar meanings in the stars?," 21 Aug. 2019 This is chilled and given a squeeze of lemon juice and a scattering of fresh flat-leaf parsley before serving. Jeff Koehler, Twin Cities, "With these Moroccan salads, vegetables come first — and in dazzling abundance," 8 Aug. 2019 Tedros was referring to the scattering of disease—including Ebola and measles—as violence hampers outbreak responses and access to medical care. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Measles is killing more people in the DRC than Ebola—and faster," 15 July 2019 The brand markings are gone, but the filling plaza remains, complete with carport and a scattering of vehicles. Rand Richards Cooper, courant.com, "Review: M/BAR in Mystic turns out premium eats and brims with brashness and flair," 12 July 2019 The models point to a process called inverse Compton scattering, in which the pulsar’s magnetic field whips up electrons to energies far higher than achieved in particle accelerators on Earth. Dennis Normile, Science | AAAS, "Highest energy light ever seen traced to Crab Nebula," 8 July 2019 The beef carpaccio platter ($18) was hefty, thin tenderloin slices topped with a generous scattering of arugula and Parmesan shavings. Michael Mayo, sun-sentinel.com, "Review: Talento, Tuscan Prime, Piazza Italia. A trio of new Italian restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard," 7 Aug. 2019 Those objects turned out to be a scattering of debris: paddles, the pump for the canoe — and two bodies trapped behind an iceberg. Author: Madeline Mcgee, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska glacier where boaters were found dead had recently become prone to calving, guide says," 2 Aug. 2019 May delivered brief farewell remarks at Downing Street and then was taken by motorcade down the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where a thin scattering of tourists and locals were withering in the near-record temperatures of a European heat wave. Karla Adam, BostonGlobe.com, "Boris Johnson becomes British prime minister," 24 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scattering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of scattering

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for scattering

scattering

noun

English Language Learners Definition of scattering

: a small number or group of things or people that are seen or found at different places or times

scattering

noun
scat·​ter·​ing

Medical Definition of scattering

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

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