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 That much of this week’s heat unfolded after the dissipation of the El Niño weather pattern — which typically boosts global temperatures — shows how greenhouse gas pollution has pushed the planet into frightening new territory, researchers say. Scott Dance, Washington Post, 22 June 2024 Since then, ice has retreated and advanced, over and over, largely in accordance with the buildup and dissipation of greenhouse gases in the air. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 June 2024 The research team also did numerical modeling that simulated heat dissipation at fighting intensities that were impossible to do with human participants due to safety reasons; this also confirmed the Dendra armor worked. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024 In the case of this little robot, the mechanical energy dissipation in the pistons is less than the total energy needed to be dissipated from the fall, so the rest of the mechanism takes a pretty hard hit. IEEE Spectrum, 12 May 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 2 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!