cluster vs scatter

cluster

noun
  • A group or bunch of several discrete items that are close to each other. 

  • A sequence of two or more words that occur in language with high frequency but are not idiomatic; a chunk, bundle, or lexical bundle. 

  • A small metal design that indicates that a medal has been awarded to the same person before. 

  • A set of bombs or mines released as part of the same blast. 

  • A logical data storage unit containing one or more physical sectors (see block). 

  • An ensemble of bound atoms or molecules, intermediate in size between a molecule and a bulk solid. 

  • A group of computers that work together. 

  • A number of individuals grouped together or collected in one place; a crowd; a mob. 

  • A clusterfuck. 

  • A subset of a population whose members are sufficiently similar to each other and distinct from others as to be considered a distinct group; such a grouping in a set of observed data that is statistically significant. 

  • A group of consonants. 

  • A group of galaxies or stars that appear near each other. 

  • A secundal chord of three or more notes. 

verb
  • To cover with clusters. 

  • To collect into clusters. 

  • To form a cluster or group. 

scatter

noun
  • A collection of dispersed objects. 

  • The act of scattering or dispersing. 

verb
  • To (cause to) separate and go in different directions; to disperse. 

  • Of a pitcher: to keep down the number of hits or walks. 

  • To deflect (radiation or particles). 

  • To occur or fall at widely spaced intervals. 

  • To distribute loosely as by sprinkling. 

  • To frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow. 

  • To be dispersed upon. 

How often have the words cluster and scatter occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )