1. (

• scattering ,
• sprinkling

) a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly; "the first scatterings of green"; "a sprinkling of grey at his temples" ;

2. (

• scattering

) the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions ;

3. (

• scattering ,
• sprinkle ,
• sprinkling

) a light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby ;

4. (

• dispersion ,
• scattering

) spreading widely or driving off ;

5. (

• scatter ,
• scattering ,
• strewing

) the act of scattering ;

1. (

• disperse ,
• dissipate ,
• dispel ,
• break_up ,
• scatter ,

) to cause to separate and go in different directions; "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds" ;

2. (

• disperse ,
• dissipate ,
• scatter ,
• spread_out ,

) move away from each other; "The crowds dispersed"; "The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached" ;

3. (

• scatter ,
• sprinkle ,
• dot ,
• dust ,
• disperse

) distribute loosely; "He scattered gun powder under the wagon" ;

4. (

• scatter ,

) sow by scattering; "scatter seeds" ;

5. (

• break_up ,
• disperse ,
• scatter

) cause to separate; "break up kidney stones"; "disperse particles" ;

6. (

• spread ,
• scatter ,
• spread_out ,

) strew or distribute over an area; "He spread fertilizer over the lawn"; "scatter cards across the table" ;