\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}.