scattˈerer noun

scattˈering noun

1. Dispersion
2. That which is scattered
3. A small proportion occurring sporadically
4. The deflection of the path of subatomic particles as a result of collisions with other particles or atoms (physics)
5. The deflection of light by the fine particles of solid, liquid or gaseous matter, from the main direction of the beam (physics)
6. The deflection of radiation resulting from interactions between the photons radiated and the nuclei or electrons in the material through which the radiation is passing, or with another radiation field (physics)

scattˈeringly adverb

scattˈerling noun (archaic)

A vagrant

scatteromˈeter noun

An instrument carried in a meteorological satellite for measuring the backscatter of light from the surface of the sea, used to gather information on wind speed

scattˈery adjective

1. Dispersed
2. Sparse
3. Giving an effect of scattering

scattˈerbrain noun

Someone incapable of sustained attention or thought

scattˈerbrained adjective

scatter diagram noun

A graph plotting two variables, with axes at right angles to one another

scattˈergood noun

A spendthrift

scattˈer-gun noun

A shotgun

scattering matrix noun (physics)

A matrix in which particles that result from high-energy collisions are made to scatter in various directions (also Sˈ-matrix)

scatter rugs, scatter cushions plural noun

Small rugs and cushions which can be placed anywhere in a room

scattˈershot adjective

Random, indiscriminate and wide-ranging, like shot fired from a gun

elastic scattering see elastic collision under collide

inelastic scattering see inelastic collision under collide