scattering
n. C / U C1 Advanced US //ˈskætɝɪŋ// UK //skˈætəɹɪŋ// scat·ter·ing
n. a small number of things spread out over an area. It can also mean the way light or particles bounce off something and spread in different directions.
n. a small, dispersed amount or number of something; in physics, the process in which particles or radiation are deflected from a straight path by irregularities in the medium.
There is a scattering of houses on the hillside.
The blue color of the sky is caused by the scattering of sunlight by the atmosphere.
The researcher noted a thin scattering of artifacts across the site, suggesting that the settlement was likely temporary rather than a permanent village.
Usage
Often used with 'of' to describe a small group of items spread out.