backscatter

noun

back·​scat·​ter ˈbak-ˌska-tər How to pronounce backscatter (audio)
variants or less commonly backscattering
ˈbak-ˌska-tə-riŋ How to pronounce backscatter (audio)
: the scattering of radiation or particles in a direction opposite to that of the incident radiation due to reflection from particles of the medium traversed
also : the radiation or particles so reversed in direction
backscatter verb

Examples of backscatter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When water contains a lot of plant material, chlorophyll – a pigment plants make in their leaves – will absorb blue light and backscatter green light. — Courtney Di Vittorio, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025 The team first developed their backscatter communication scheme in 2019. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backscatter was in 1936

Rhymes for backscatter

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Browse Nearby Words

backsawn
backscatter
back score
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Cite this Entry

“Backscatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backscatter. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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