dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce dissipation (audio)
1
: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:
a
: dispersion, diffusion
the dissipation of the smoke
the dissipation of enemy forces
c
: wasteful expenditure
the dissipation of the family's fortune
d
: intemperate living
especially : excessive drinking
2
: an act of self-indulgence
lived a life of dissipation
especially : one that is not harmful : amusement

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 on the Web And another!) and dialogue that works like polystyrene stuffing, filling the cracks with Modi’s half-baked musings on the happy lives of pigeons or long quotes from Charles Baudelaire, poet and patron saint of dissipation. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2024 The proceedings seemed terminally petty, an embarrassing dissipation of everyone’s time and resources. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2024 This presents challenges in heat dissipation, especially for high-power applications. 4. Matthew Putman, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 Elevating your device also allows for better heat dissipation. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dissipation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissipation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissipation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near dissipation

Cite this Entry

“Dissipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissipation. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun
dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce dissipation (audio)
: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated

More from Merriam-Webster on dissipation

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