backscatter

/ˈbækˌskætər/
noun
  1. The reflection or scattering of waves or particles back in the direction from which they came, especially in radar, X-ray, or other imaging technologies.
    • The radar detected backscatter from the storm clouds, helping forecasters predict heavy rain.
    • Airport security scanners use backscatter X-rays to reveal hidden objects on a person's body.
    • Scientists studied the backscatter of sunlight off the ocean surface to measure wave heights.
verb
  1. To reflect or scatter waves or particles back toward the source.
    • The satellite's instruments measure how much sunlight the Earth's atmosphere backscatters.
    • The metal surface backscatters radio waves, causing interference in the signal.
    • Certain materials backscatter X-rays more strongly than others, making them visible in scans.
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