scat·ter·ing 
(skătər-ĭng)
(skătər-ĭng)n.
1. Something scattered, especially a small, irregularly occurring amount or quantity: a scattering of applause.
2. Physics The dispersal of a beam of particles or of radiation into a range of directions as a result of physical interactions.
adj.
Placed irregularly and far apart; scattered.
scatter·ing·ly adv.