dissipation

[ dis-uh-pey-shuh n ]
/ ˌdɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

the act of dissipating.
the state of being dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.
a wasting by misuse: the dissipation of a fortune.
mental distraction; amusement; diversion.
dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.
Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.

Origin of dissipation

1535–45; < Latin dissipātiōn- (stem of dissipātiō), equivalent to dissipāt(us) (see dissipate) + -iōn- -ion

Example sentences from the Web for dissipation

British Dictionary definitions for dissipation

dissipation
/ (ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən) /

noun

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

Scientific definitions for dissipation

dissipation
[ dĭs′ə-pāshən ]

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