The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word INTERSPERSED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "scattered here and there" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case scattered here and there = interspersed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INTERSPERSED mean?
INTERSPERSED verb- To mix two things irregularly, placing things of one kind among things of other:
- To scatter or insert something into or among other things.
- To diversify by placing or inserting other things among something.
- Placed at intervals amongst other things.