dissipation
noun
dis·si·pa·tion
ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən 
1
: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:
a
: dispersion, diffusion
the dissipation of the smoke
the dissipation of enemy forces
b
archaic
: dissolution, disintegration
c
: wasteful expenditure
the dissipation of the family's fortune
d
: intemperate living
especially
: excessive drinking
2
: an act of self-indulgence
lived a life of dissipation
especially
: one that is not harmful : amusement
Examples of dissipation in a Sentence
Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.
a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune
He lived a life of dissipation.
Recent Examples on the Web
These were both indicators of greater hardness and higher energy dissipation in the copper.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Notably, like the Navier-Stokes equations (and unlike the other two kinds of equations the researchers studied), the CCF equations describe fluids that have a dissipation property akin to viscosity.
—Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026
The central bank's economic staff cited fiscal policy, easier financial conditions and a dissipation of the tariff impact as growth drivers through 2028, minutes of the meeting released last week show.
—Arkansas Online, 6 Jan. 2026
The net result would be the dissipation of the beam's energy.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dissipation
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Cite this Entry
“Dissipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissipation. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
dissipation
noun
dis·si·pa·tion
ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən
: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated
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