dissociation

[ dih-soh-see-ey-shuh n, -shee-ey- ]
/ dɪˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃən, -ʃiˈeɪ- /

noun

an act or instance of dissociating.
the state of being dissociated; disjunction; separation: the dissociation of church and state.
Physical Chemistry.
  1. the reversible resolution or decomposition of a complex substance into simpler constituents caused by variation in physical conditions, as when water gradually decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen under great heat in such a way that when the temperature is lowered the liberated elements recombine.
  2. electrolytic dissociation.
Psychiatry. the splitting off of a group of mental processes from the main body of consciousness, as in amnesia or certain forms of hysteria.

Origin of dissociation

1605–15; dis-1 + (as)sociation, modeled on Latin dissociātiō separation

OTHER WORDS FROM dissociation

self-dis·so·ci·a·tion, noun

Words nearby dissociation

dissociable, dissocial, dissociate, dissociated anesthesia, dissociated nystagmus, dissociation, dissociation sensibility, dissociative anesthesia, dissociative disorder, dissociative reaction, dissogeny

British Dictionary definitions for self-dissociation (1 of 2)

self-dissociation

noun

chem the splitting of the molecules of certain highly polar liquids, such as water and liquid ammonia, into ions

British Dictionary definitions for self-dissociation (2 of 2)

dissociation
/ (dɪˌsəʊsɪˈeɪʃən, -ʃɪ-) /

noun

the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated
chem
  1. a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals
  2. any decomposition of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other compounds, atoms, ions, or radicals
separation of molecules or atoms that occurs when a liquid or solid changes to a gas
psychiatry the separation of a group of mental processes or ideas from the rest of the personality, so that they lead an independent existence, as in cases of multiple personality

Medical definitions for self-dissociation

dissociation
[ dĭ-sō′sē-ā′shən, -shē- ]

n.

The chemical process by which the action of a solvent or a change in physical condition, as in pressure or temperature, causes a molecule to split into simpler groups of atoms, single atoms, or ions.
The separation of an electrolyte into ions of opposite charge.
Separation of a group of related psychological activities into autonomously functioning units, as in the generation of multiple personalities.

Other words from dissociation

dis•so′ci•ate′ v. dis•so′ci•a′tive adj.

Scientific definitions for self-dissociation

dissociation
[ dĭ-sō′sē-ā′shən ]

The separation of a substance into two or more simpler substances, or of a molecule into atoms or ions, by the action of heat or a chemical process. Dissociation is usually reversible.