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Dissipation: meaning, definitions and examples

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dissipation

 

[ ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

energy loss

Dissipation refers to the process by which energy is scattered or wasted in the form of heat or other non-recoverable forms. It often describes the gradual loss of energy from a system, making it less efficient over time. In physics, it is often associated with thermodynamics, where energy losses result in a decrease in available work. It can also refer to the vanishing of substances or the dissipation of energy within a material. Overall, dissipation highlights the tendency for systems to move towards equilibrium, often resulting in diminished energy efficiency.

Synonyms

dispersion, dissolution, scattering, waste

Examples of usage

  • The dissipation of heat in the engine reduced its efficiency.
  • Energy dissipation occurs in various physical systems.
  • The dissipation of wave energy led to calm seas.
  • In a closed system, dissipated energy cannot be fully recovered.

Translations

Translations of the word "dissipation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dissipação

🇮🇳 विलुप्ति

🇩🇪 Dissipation

🇮🇩 dissipasi

🇺🇦 дисипація

🇵🇱 dysypacja

🇯🇵 散逸 (さんいつ)

🇫🇷 dissipation

🇪🇸 disipación

🇹🇷 dağılım

🇰🇷 소산

🇸🇦 تبدد

🇨🇿 dissipace

🇸🇰 dissipácia

🇨🇳 耗散 (hàosàn)

🇸🇮 dissipacija

🇮🇸 dissipatio

🇰🇿 бұзылу

🇬🇪 დაზიანება

🇦🇿 yayılma

🇲🇽 disipación

Etymology

The term 'dissipation' comes from the Latin word 'dissipatio', meaning 'a scattering' or 'wasting'. This Latin root combines 'dis-' (apart) and 'spergere' (to scatter). The word entered the English language around the 14th century, originally referring to the action of dissipating, like a scattering of light or a loss of heat. Over time, its usage broadened to include various forms of energy loss, particularly in physics and thermodynamics. By the 19th century, 'dissipation' began to be applied more widely in science and engineering contexts, particularly in discussions of energy efficiency and system dynamics. The evolution of the term reflects changes in scientific understanding of energy conservation and the inevitability of energy loss in natural processes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,578, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.