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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guan’s key insight—a precise limit on how rapidly the rate of dissipation changes during this heating process—proved to be just what Klartag and Lehec needed. Max Springer, Scientific American, 5 June 2025 Many aircraft are now equipped with accelerometers and send objective measurements of air disturbances, known as eddy dissipation rate, back to a central platform. Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Turbulence can be measured by the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), a numerical representation of the intensity of the turbulence. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Some have questioned whether the slim design of the phone could mean a drop in battery capacity and heat dissipation. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dissipation

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

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Cite this Entry

“Dissipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissipation. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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

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