\Dis*so`ci*a"tion\ (?; 106), n. [L. dissociatio:
cf. F. dissociation.]
1. The act of dissociating or disuniting; a state of
   separation; disunion.
         It will add infinitely dissociation, distraction,
         and confusion of these confederate republics.
                                               --Burke.
2. (Chem.) The process by which a compound body breaks up
   into simpler constituents; -- said particularly of the
   action of heat on gaseous or volatile substances; as, the
   dissociation of the sulphur molecules; the dissociation of
   ammonium chloride into hydrochloric acid and ammonia.