WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Dis`si*pa"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. dissipatio: cf. F. dissipation.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913