scatter Hear it!

scatter Definition

scat·ter (skat′ər)

transitive verb

    1. to throw here and there or strew loosely; sprinkle
    2. to sprinkle over (with) something
  2. to separate and drive in many directions; rout; disperse
  3. Archaic to waste; dissipate
  4. Physics to diffuse or deflect in an irregular, random manner

Etymology: ME skateren, ult. < IE *sked-, to split, disperse < base *sek-, to cut > L secare

intransitive verb

to separate and go off in several directions the crowd scattered

noun

  1. the act or process of scattering
  2. that which is scattered about

scatter Related Forms
scat′·terer noun
scatter Synonyms

scatter

v.

  1. To become separated

    run apart, run away, go one's own way, diverge, disperse, disband, migrate, spread, go in different directions, blow off, go in many directions, be blown to the four winds.

    Antonyms assemble*, convene, congregate.

  2. To cause to separate

    dispel, derange, dissipate, diffuse, strew, divide, disband, shed, distribute, intersperse, disseminate, separate, disunite, sunder, scatter to the wind, sever, set asunder.

    Antonyms unite*, join, mix.

  3. To seed

    disseminate, set, strew.

  4. To waste

    spend, expend, dissipate, fritter away, squander, lavish, be prodigal with one's substance, spend prodigally, sow, broadcast, pour out like water, exhaust, throw around*, scatter to the birds*; see also spend 1, waste 2.

scatter implies a strewing around loosely to scatter seeds or a forcible driving apart in different directions the breeze scattered the papers; disperse implies a scattering which completely breaks up an assemblage and spreads the individuals far and wide a people dispersed throughout the world; dissipate implies complete dissolution, as by crumbling, wasting, etc. to dissipate a fortune; dispel suggests a scattering that drives away something that obscures, confuses, troubles, etc. to dispel fears

scatter Usage Examples

Object

  • ash: Some pyres were burning low and the attendants scattered the ashes, while groups of mourners arrived with their recently deceased relative.
  • amplitude: Convergence of the scattering amplitudes with the number of partial waves is improved by using a procedure which is related to the Pade approximation.
  • petal: Petals scattered over your bed and in your bath - at once.
  • debris: Falling nearby with the resultant loud explosion and debris scattered all over.
  • wreckage: Damage serious enough to produce a hole in the hull usually leaves wreckage scattered about the area.
  • seed: Rattle, rattle rattle, scattering scarlet poppy seeds.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • around: There are also old bits of torpedo scattered around from the lakes past.

Preposition: throughout

  • genome: In all there are 1000 olfactory genes scattered throughout the genome, evidence of the importance of smell to most mammals.

Preposition: around

  • globe: Mazes have been present in many ancient cultures scattered around the globe.

Adjective modifier

  • lithic: The first assemblage was a lithic scatter, of Mesolithic date, from Cornhill Farm, Colter.

Modifies a noun

  • cushion: Separate scatter cushions are also available, supplied with plump fiber fill pads.
  • plot: Select a type of scatter plot required then click the Define button.
  • graph: Display a scatter graph of rainfall against daily air pressure for three months.
  • diagram: The plot is called a scatter diagram or a scatter plot.
  • radar: Track Record EISCAT is the worlds leading incoherent scatter radar facility, in terms of capability.
  • rug: Rich Mexican quarry tiles and attractive scatter rugs cover the floors.

Preposition: across

  • globe: He made a lot of friends on the course and stays in touch with them even tho they are now scattered across the globe.

Preposition: of

  • flint: Subsequently the site was fieldwalked by the Suffolk Archeological Unit who found a scatter of flint and medieval pottery, but nothing very exciting.
  • pottery: The original designation area covered the bow section of the ship, and the scatter of broken pottery.

Noun used with modifier

  • flint: It was found by geophysical survey on the site of a flint scatter in ploughsoil.
scatter Quotes

Upon those that step into the same rivers different and different waters flow. They scatter and gather, come together and flow away, approach and depart.

—Heraclitus   fl.500