strew

strew

1. To spread here and there; scatter: strewing flowers down the aisle.
2. To cover (an area or a surface) with things scattered or sprinkled: “Italy . . . was strewn thick with the remains of Roman buildings” (Bernard Berenson).
3. To be or become dispersed over (a surface).
4. To spread (something) over a wide area; disseminate.

Origin: Middle English strewen, from Old English strēowian; see ster-² in Indo-European roots.