backscatter

Meanings

Plural: backscatters

Verb

• scatter (radiation) by the atoms of the medium through which it passes
• To scatter particles or radiation back to the direction from which they originate.

Noun

• The deflection of particles or radiation through angles greater than 90 degrees to the original direction of travel.
• The particles or radiation deflected in this manner.
• A portion of the energy of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser or radio waves that is scattered back in the direction of the source of radiation by an obscurant.
• The sending of IP packets to essentially random addresses in response to incoming packets that have a spoofed origin.

Synonyms

blowback, outscatter