scattering

/ˈskætərɪŋ/

spreading apart

The scattering of seeds across the field helped the plants grow.

Seeds were spread out over the field.

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

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

a firearm that fires multiple small projectiles at once

a person who is forgetful or disorganized

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

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

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

English Dictionary