Definition of dissipation
1 : the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:a : dispersion, diffusion the dissipation of the smoke the dissipation of enemy forcesb archaic : dissolution, disintegrationc : wasteful expenditure the dissipation of the family's fortuned : intemperate living; especially : excessive drinking
2 : an act of self-indulgence lived a life of dissipation; especially : one that is not harmful : amusement
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of dissipation in a Sentence
Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.
a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune
He lived a life of dissipation.
Recent Examples of dissipation from the Web
-
The BMW's 2008 5-Series sold in Western Europe as well as the 1-Series now come with an Intelligent Alternator Control, or IAC, system that collects and reuses energy typically lost to heat dissipation.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dissipation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of dissipation
see dissipate
First Known Use: 15th century
DISSIPATION Defined for English Language Learners
dissipation
playDefinition of dissipation for English Language Learners
-
: the process of slowly disappearing or becoming less
-
: the act of using all or a lot of money, time, etc., in a foolish way
-
: behavior that shows you are interested only in pleasure, money, etc.
DISSIPATION Defined for Kids
dissipation
playDefinition of dissipation for Students
1 : the act of causing to break up and disappear the dissipation of the fog
2 : indulgence in too much pleasure
Learn More about dissipation
-
See words that rhyme with dissipation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dissipation Spanish Central: Translation of dissipation Nglish: Translation of dissipation for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dissipation
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up dissipation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!