Definition of "dissipation" in English

noun

1. The act of dissipating or dispersing; a state of dispersion or separation; dispersion; waste.

2. A dissolute course of life, in which health, money, etc., are squandered in pursuit of pleasure; profuseness in immoral indulgence, as late hours, riotous living, etc.; dissoluteness.

   • 18th century, Patrick Henry in a parliamentary debate to reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extravagance

3. A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention.

   • Prevented from finishing them [the letters] a thousand avocations and dissipations.

4. (physics) A loss of energy, usually as heat, from a dynamic system.