scattered
v. C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈskætɝd// UK //skˈætəd// scat·tered
v. spread out over a wide area or occurring at different times. You use this to describe things that are not all in one place.
v. distributed or occurring at irregular intervals over a wide area. Often used to describe weather patterns or physical objects that lack a central cluster.
There will be scattered showers throughout the afternoon.
The ancient ruins were scattered across the valley, making it difficult for the archaeologists to map the original city.
The report noted that while the core population remained urban, scattered settlements persisted in the mountainous regions, largely isolated from the central government's influence.
Usage
Commonly used as a participial adjective; frequently collocates with 'showers', 'clouds', or 'debris'.