dissipation

[ dis-uh-pey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of dissipating.
2. the state of being dissipated; dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.
3. a wasting by misuse:

   the dissipation of a fortune.

4. mental distraction; amusement; diversion.
5. dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.
6. Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.

dissipation

/ ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated
2. unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol
3. excessive expenditure; wastefulness
4. amusement; diversion

dissipation

/ dĭs′ə-pā′shən /

1. The loss of energy from a physical system, most often in the form of heat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissipation¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin dissipātiōn-, stem of dissipātiō; equivalent to dissipate + -ion

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, there’s been no decrease or dissipation in that.

From Time

Siemens and space agency NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory worked together on a digital twin of the Mars Science Laboratory on the Curiosity rover to solve heat dissipation problems caused by the radioisotope power generator.

From MIT Technology Review

It’s perfect for storing in a utility closet or tool shed and reserving for quick sweeping and cleanup of leaves and dirt in small, confined areas, and it has a wide exhaust area that allows for quick heat dissipation.

From Popular-Science

Kelvin, the first to recognize its significance, called it “a universal tendency in nature to the dissipation of mechanical energy.”

From Nautilus

William Thomson may have inadvertently set people thinking in the wrong way when he spoke about universal dissipation of mechanical energy.

From Nautilus

I met with a ludicrous instance of the dissipation of even latter days, a few months after my marriage.

From Project Gutenberg

M. Phlippon now began to advance more rapidly in the career of dissipation.

From Project Gutenberg

Her father now began to advance with more rapid footsteps in the career of dissipation.

From Project Gutenberg

His countenance showed marks of dissipation, for he was a heavy drinker, and this served to further brutalize his nature.

From Project Gutenberg

My serious turn and studious habits have preserved me alike from the follies of dissipation and from the bustle of intrigue.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• diffusion
• wastage