scattering

Plural: scatterings

Noun

• a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly
  • "the first scatterings of green"
• the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions
• a light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby
• spreading widely or driving off
• the act of scattering
• A small quantity of something being dispersed (at random points).
• The total number of votes awarded to nonmajor or unlisted candidates.
• The process whereby a beam of waves or particles is dispersed by collisions or similar interactions.

Verb

• to cause to separate and go in different directions
• move away from each other
• distribute loosely
• sow by scattering
• cause to separate
• strew or distribute over an area
• present participle and gerund of scatter

Examples

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

Synonyms

break up, dispel, disperse, dispersion, dissipate, dot, dust, scatter, spread, spread out, sprinkle, sprinkling, strewing