Hypertext Webster Gateway: "dissipation"
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) 1.7 (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
dissipation of natural resources" [syn: {waste}, {wastefulness}]
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