Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dissipation
Disˊsi-pa′tion
(dĭsˊsĭ-pā′shŭn)
, Noun.
[L.
dissipatio
: cf. F. dissipation
.] 1.
The act of dissipating or dispersing; a state of dispersion or separation; dispersion; waste.
Without loss or
dissipation
of the matter. Bacon.
The famous
dissipation
of mankind. Sir M. Hale.
2.
A dissolute course of life, in which health, money, etc., are squandered in pursuit of pleasure; profuseness in vicious indulgence, as late hours, riotous living, etc.; dissoluteness.
To reclaim the spendthrift from his
dissipation
and extravagance. P. Henry.
3.
A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention.
Prevented from finishing them [the letters] a thousand avocations and
dissipations
. Swift.
Dissipation of energy
. Same as
Degradation of energy
, under Degradation
.Webster 1828 Edition
Dissipation
DISSIPATION
,Noun.
1.
The act of scattering; dispersion; the state of being dispersed; as the dissipation of vapor or heat.2.
In physics, the insensible loss or waste of the minute parts of a body, which fly off, by which means the body is diminished or consumed.3.
Scattered attention; or that which diverts and calls off the mind from any subject.4.
A dissolute, irregular course of life; a wandering from object to object in pursuit of pleasure; a course of life usually attended with careless and exorbitant expenditure of money, and indulgence in vices, which impair or ruin both health and fortune.What! Is it proposed then to reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extravagance, by filling his pockets with money?