scattering

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Speed the composting process along by creating foot layers of leaves topped with a few inches of soil and a scattering of fertilizer or manure. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024 However, the Stamford researchers discovered that the application of tartrazine, a food dye more popularly known as FD&C Yellow 5, tamed this scattering effect. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2024 Eating her sandwich resulted in a scattering of crumbs on the table. Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2024 Arizona was the first of the presidential battleground states to open early in-person voting sites on Oct. 9, with a scattering of traditional voting centers. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scattering 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scattering was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scattering

Cite this Entry

“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scattering. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

scattering

1 of 2 noun
scat·​ter·​ing ˈskat-ə-riŋ How to pronounce scattering (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on scattering

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