Word
scattering
Phoneticsscat·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskætɝɪŋ/
UK/skˈætəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01a small amount spread out
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small number of things or people spread out in different places.
n. a small, sparse quantity or number of something distributed at random points over an area.
“There was a scattering of houses along the coast, but no real town.”
“A light scattering of snow covered the driveway, barely enough to hide the gravel but sufficient to make the surface slippery.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02physics/optics
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the way light, sound, or tiny particles bounce off things and spread in different directions.
n. the process in which a beam of waves or particles is deflected or dispersed by collisions or interactions with a medium.
“The scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere is what makes the sky look blue.”
“The experiment measured the elastic scattering of neutrons as they passed through the thin metal foil.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in scientific contexts.
Synonyms
03election votes
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Formal · American English
n. a few votes given to people who are not the main candidates in an election.
n. the total number of votes awarded to minor, non-major, or unlisted candidates in an election.
“The final results showed a scattering of votes for independent candidates.”
“Beyond the two primary contenders, there was a scattering of write-in votes that had no statistical impact on the final outcome.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“But near-infrared systems struggle when light passes through materials like deep tissue or dense fog, succumbing to the same scattering effect in which photons deviate from their path.” “Sunlight scattering through the Martian atmosphere helped create the striking view.” “This quick settling makes them less effective in scattering incoming solar radiation.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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