Dis`si*pa"tion (?), n. [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 1913.