Definition of: scattering

(skat′ər·ing) noun
1. Dispersion.
2. Physics The deflection of a beam of particles or waves into a variety of directions upon collision with any obstacle preventing continuous propagation in the original direction.
3. The dispersion, over an area, of votes for candidates.
—adjective Placed at intervals or at a distance.
—scat′ter·ing·ly adverb