scattering
nounUK /ˈskætərɪŋ/
US /ˈskætərɪŋ/
A scattering is a small number of things spread out over an area.
There was a scattering of leaves on the grass.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of throwing or spreading things in different directions.
The scattering of seeds across the field took all morning.
3. In physics, the process by which particles or waves are deflected in different directions.
Light scattering in the atmosphere makes the sky look blue.
4. A small, thinly spread amount of something.
A scattering of applause came from the back of the room.