scattering

Scattering — is a general physical process where some forms of radiation, such as light, sound, or moving particles, are forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more localized non uniformities in the medium through which they pass. In… …   Wikipedia

Scattering — Scat ter*ing, a. Going or falling in various directions; not united or aggregated; divided among many; as, scattering votes. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Scattering — Scat ter*ing, n. Act of strewing about; something scattered. South. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

scattering — index circulation, decentralization, havoc Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

scattering — [skatɛʀiŋ] n. m. ÉTYM. 1973, Journ. off.; mot anglais. ❖ ♦ Anglic. Phys. Diffusion d une particule élémentaire …   Encyclopédie Universelle

scattering — /ˈskatterin(g), ingl. ˈskætərɪŋ/ [vc. ingl., gerundio di to scatter «sparpagliare, disseminare»] s. m. inv. (fis.) deviazione, diffusione, sparpagliamento …   Sinonimi e Contrari. Terza edizione

scattering — [skat′ər iŋ] adj. 1. separating and going in various directions 2. distributed over a wide area, esp. at irregular intervals 3. distributed in small numbers among several or many candidates: said of votes n. 1. the act or process of one that… …   English World dictionary

scattering — /skat euhr ing/, adj. 1. distributed or occurring here and there at irregular intervals; scattered. 2. straggling, as an assemblage of parts. 3. (of votes) cast in small numbers for various candidates. 4. distributing, dispersing, or separating.… …   Universalium

scattering — [[t]skæ̱tərɪŋ[/t]] scatterings N COUNT: usu N of n A scattering of things or people is a small number of them spread over an area. ...the scattering of houses east of the village... Mr. James had had a scattering of very wealthy friends …   English dictionary

scattering — UK [ˈskætərɪŋ] / US noun [countable] Word forms scattering : singular scattering plural scatterings a small number of people or things that are spread over a large area The village was just a scattering of houses along the river …   English dictionary

scattering — I. noun Date: 14th century 1. an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered 2. something scattered: as a. a small number or quantity interspersed here and there < a scattering of visitors > b. the random change in direction of the …   New Collegiate Dictionary