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Dissipated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissipated

[ˈdɪsɪpeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

dispersed energy

Dissipated refers to something that has been scattered, dispersed, or wasted away, particularly energy. It often describes the process by which energy is lost in the form of heat or light in a system.

Synonyms

dispersed, scattered, squandered, wasted.

Examples of usage

  • The dissipated energy led to a more efficient system.
  • He felt like all his motivation had dissipated over time.
  • The dissipated heat from the machinery was a concern.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological contexts, the term can describe the way attention or energy can fizzle out when faced with distractions.
  • Dissipated behavior is often linked to risky decisions, frequently appearing in discussions about substance use and its effects on judgment.

Science

  • In thermodynamics, energy is said to be dissipated when it is transformed from usable forms into heat, often lost to the environment.
  • The dissipation of energy is crucial in understanding how systems, like engines, lose efficiency over time.

Culture

  • The concept of dissipation is often explored in literature, symbolizing the loss of youth or vitality, as seen in works discussing morality and excess.
  • In economic discussions, the term refers to how wealth or resources may be dissipated through unnecessary spending or poor investment.

Pop Culture

  • Movies or shows often portray characters whose dreams dissipate due to poor choices or external circumstances, leading to dramatic arcs.
  • Songs often use the idea of dissipated love or friendship to convey feelings of loss and longing.

Origin of 'dissipated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'dissipare,' which combines 'dis-' (apart) and 'sparsus' (scattered).
  • In the late 14th century, 'dissipated' began to be used in English to mean something that had scattered or dispersed.

The term 'dissipated' originates from the Latin word 'dissipare,' which means 'to scatter' or 'to disperse.' This Latin term combines 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'sparse' meaning 'to scatter.' The evolution of the word in English is traced back to the early 17th century. In the context of physics and thermodynamics, 'dissipated energy' has been particularly relevant in discussions surrounding energy conservation and efficiency. Over time, the word has also adopted more metaphorical meanings, often describing emotional or psychological states where something valuable, like motivation or hope, is lost or diminished, similar to how energy can be wasted.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,859, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.