Scatter
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of scattering
(2) A haphazard distribution in all directions
verb
(3) Cause to separate
"Break up kidney stones"
"Disperse particles"
(4) Distribute loosely
"He scattered gun powder under the wagon"
(5) Sow by scattering
"Scatter seeds"
(6) Move away from each other
"The crowds dispersed"
"The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached";
(7) To cause to separate and go in different directions
"She waved her hand and scattered the crowds"
(8) Strew or distribute over an area
"He spread fertilizer over the lawn"
"Scatter cards across the table"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From scateren < sceaterian, probably from a dialect of Old Norse. Cf. Low German schateren and Dutch schateren ('to burst out laughing').
Verb
- To cause to separate and go in different directions.
- To distribute loosely as by sprinkling.
- To deflect (radiation or particles).
- To separate and go in different directions; disperse.
- To occur or fall at widely spaced intervals.