dissipation

n. [ L. dissipatio: cf. F. dissipation. ] 1. The act of dissipating or dispersing; a state of dispersion or separation; dispersion; waste. [ 1913 Webster ]

Without loss or dissipation of the matter. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

The famous dissipation of mankind. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

To reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extravagance. P. Henry. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention. [ 1913 Webster ]

Prevented from finishing them [ the letters ] a thousand avocations and dissipations. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dissipation of energy. Same as Degradation of energy, under Degradation. [ 1913 Webster ]