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more about dissipation
dissipation |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Dissipation \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}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: dissipation n 1: breaking up and scattering by dispersion; "the dissipation of the mist" 2: dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure [syn: {profligacy}, {dissolution}, {licentiousness}] 3: useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly: "if the effort brings no compensating gain it is a waste"; "mindless dissipaton of natural resources" [syn: {waste}, {wastefulness}]
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