scatter
scat·ter / ˈskatər/ • v. [tr.] throw in various random directions: scatter the coconut over the icing. ∎ (be scattered) [usu. ] occur or be found at intervals rather than all together: there are many mills scattered throughout the marshlands. ∎ (of a group of people or animals) separate and move off quickly in different directions: the roar made the dogs scatter. ∎ [tr.] cause (a group or people or animals) to act in such a way: he charged across the foyer, scattering people. ∎ (usu. be scattered with) cover (a surface) with objects thrown or spread randomly over it: sandy beaches scattered with driftwood. ∎ Physics deflect or diffuse (electromagnetic radiation or particles).• n. a small, dispersed amount of something: a scatter of houses on the north shore. ∎ Statistics the degree to which repeated measurements or observations of a quantity differ. ∎ Physics the scattering of light, other electromagnetic radiation, or particles.DERIVATIVES: scat·ter·a·ble adj.scat·ter·a·tion / ˌskatəˈrāshən/ n.scat·ter·er n.