The phrasal verb "backscatter" is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts rather than in everyday speech. It refers to a phenomenon where particles or waves are scattered in a direction opposite to the incident source, commonly used in fields such as physics, meteorology, and telecommunications. As such, "backscatter" is more likely to appear in formal and specialized communication, including research papers, technical reports, and academic discussions, rather than in casual conversation. This phrasal verb can also be relevant in security and radiography contexts, where it pertains to the scattering of radiation. Given its specificity, "backscatter" is not a phrasal verb typically used informally, unless within professional or niche groups where the term's meaning is well-understood.
B2
Advanced
1. To cause or undergo the scattering of a signal like light or radio waves back in the direction it originated from.
The satellite was designed to measure the backscatter of radar waves for atmospheric studies.
The scientist analyzed the backscatter patterns to better understand the environment's surface.