scattering — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A small quantity of something being dispersed (at random points).

   Examples

   There will be a scattering of showers, with heavy rain in places.

   Only a light scattering of flaws sticks out.

   More examples (1)

   There was something distinctly low-key, even wilfully alienating about the band’s performance. A scattering of OK Computer tracks were interspersed with more abstract latterday material – the clatter of 15 Step and Myxamatosis.

2. The total number of votes awarded to nonmajor or unlisted candidates.

3. The process whereby a beam of waves or particles is dispersed by collisions or similar interactions.

Noun

1. a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

   Synonyms

   sprinkling

   Broader terms

   small indefinite quantitysmall indefinite amount

   Examples

   the first scatterings of green

   a sprinkling of grey at his temples

2. the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions

   Broader terms

   natural processnatural actionactionactivity

3. a light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby

   Synonyms

   sprinklesprinkling

   Broader terms

   showerrain shower

4. spreading widely or driving off

   Synonyms

   dispersion

   Broader terms

   spreadspreading

5. the act of scattering

   Synonyms

   scatterstrewing

   Broader terms

   spreadspreading