throw in various random directions

scatter the coconut over the icing

his family are hoping to scatter his ashes at sea

(of a group of people or animals) separate and move off quickly in different directions

the roar made the dogs scatter

deflect or diffuse (electromagnetic radiation or particles)

the light is scattered as it strikes particles suspended in the air

(of a pitcher) allow (several hits) at intervals so as to result in little or no scoring

Fernandez struck out 14 while scattering three hits over eight scoreless innings

a small, dispersed amount of something

a scatter of boulders round the pothole mouth

the degree to which repeated measurements or observations of a quantity differ

the scattering of light, other electromagnetic radiation, or particles