dissociation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of removing from association
  2. noun a state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently
    disassociation.
  3. noun (chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions

WordNet

Dis*so`ci*a"tion noun
Etymology
L. dissociatio: cf. F. dissociation.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913