scattering

/ˈskætərɪŋ/

noun★Intermediate

formal

the act of throwing or spreading things in different directions

The scattering of confetti marked the end of the ceremony.

Confetti was tossed everywhere to celebrate.

Scientists studied the scattering of light by particles in the atmosphere.

They examined how light bounces off atmospheric particles.

💡

Often followed by 'of' to specify what is being scattered.

Collocations

scattering ofthe process of spreading somethingscattering lightlight that is diffused in many directions

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

scatter plotphrase

a graph that displays values for typically two variables for a set of data

scatter gunphrase

a firearm that fires multiple small projectiles at once

scatterbrainphrase

a person who is forgetful or disorganized

💡Pro Tip

Use with 'of'

When 'scattering' refers to the act, pair it with 'of' to indicate what is being spread (e.g., 'scattering of seeds').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'scatteren', from Old Norse 'skatra' meaning 'to scatter', with the suffix '-ing' forming a noun.

📝Usage Notes

Used both as a noun ('the scattering') and as the present participle of the verb 'to scatter'.

English Dictionary