Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of scattering: The action of throwing, dropping, or spreading things loosely over an area.
   • A haphazard distribution in all directions: A state or pattern of things being spread far apart in a random, disordered way.

2. Verb:

   • To strew or distribute loosely over an area: To throw or drop things so they spread out over a surface.
   • To cause to separate and move in different directions: To make a group of people or things break apart and go away from each other.
   • To sow by scattering: To plant seeds by spreading them over the ground.
   • To distribute loosely: To spread something in a thin, uneven layer.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The scatter of leaves on the lawn was beautiful.
  • There was a wide scatter of shells along the beach.

• Verb:

  • The farmer will scatter seed in the field.
  • Please don't scatter your toys all over the floor.
  • The loud noise caused the birds to scatter.
  • She scattered the old papers across the desk.

Advanced Usage

• "to scatter to the winds": to disperse or waste something completely.

  • After the company failed, its assets were scattered to the winds.

• Statistical "scatter": In data analysis, "scatter" refers to the degree of spread in a set of data points.

  • The graph shows a high degree of scatter, indicating a weak relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Scattered (adj): Spread over a wide area; not gathered together; occurring or found at irregular intervals.
  • There are scattered showers in the forecast today.
• Scattering (n): A small, dispersed number or amount; the process of deflecting or diffusing particles or radiation.
  • A scattering of applause followed his speech.
• Scatterbrain (n): A person who is disorganized and forgetful. (Note: This is a compound word listed separately as a variant).
• Scattergun (n): A shotgun. (Note: This is a compound word listed separately as a variant).

Synonyms

• Disperse: To break up and cause to go in different directions.
• Strew: To scatter things untidily over a surface.
• Diffuse: To spread over a wide area.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Scatter about/around: To place or throw things in various places in a careless way.
  • He scattered his clothes about the room.

Related Idioms

• Scatter like leaves in the wind: To disperse quickly and completely.
  • When the alarm sounded, the crowd scattered like leaves in the wind.

Noun

1. the act of scattering
2. a haphazard distribution in all directions

Verb

1. strew or distribute over an area
   • He spread fertilizer over the lawn
   • scatter cards across the table
2. cause to separate
   • break up kidney stones
   • disperse particles
3. sow by scattering
   • scatter seeds
4. distribute loosely
   • He scattered gun powder under the wagon
5. move away from each other;
   • The crowds dispersed
   • The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
6. to cause to separate and go in different directions
   • She waved her hand and scattered the crowds