dissipation

[ dis-uh-pey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of dissipating.
2. the state of being dissipated; dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.
3. a wasting by misuse:

   the dissipation of a fortune.

4. mental distraction; amusement; diversion.
5. dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.
6. Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.

dissipation

/ ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated
2. unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol
3. excessive expenditure; wastefulness
4. amusement; diversion

dissipation

/ dĭs′ə-pā′shən /

1. The loss of energy from a physical system, most often in the form of heat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissipation¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin dissipātiōn-, stem of dissipātiō; equivalent to dissipate + -ion

Example Sentences

To address the issue, researchers worldwide have turned their attention to the interfacial heat dissipation between MOFs and the materials they come into contact with.

From Science Daily

Until now, researchers have hypothesized that viscoelastic energy dissipation causes adhesion hysteresis in soft solids.

From Science Daily

This innovation paves the way for simplified chip circuit design, offering versatility and low power dissipation in future electronics.

From Science Daily

However, quantum superfluids can have turbulence, resulting in a quantum quandary: Turbulence in fluids requires dissipation, so how can superfluid turbulence experience dissipation without viscosity?

From Science Daily

This enhancement was attributed to improved optical confinement and heat dissipation, which was facilitated by the two-dimensional center-of-mass confined excitons and localized states arising from the inhomogeneous sheet thickness and the defect states.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• diffusion
• wastage