dissĭpātĭo, ōnis, f. [dissipo], a scattering, dispersing (a Ciceronian word).
- * I. In gen.: hic error ac dissipatio civium, Cic. Rep. 2, 4, 7.
- II. Pregn., destruction, annihilation: interitus et dissipatio corporum, Cic. N. D. 1, 25, 71: praedae, i. e. plundering, id. Phil. 13, 5, 10; Vulg. Isa. 24, 3 al.
As a rhet. flgure, Cic. de Or. 3, 54, 207 (so ap. Quint. 9, 1, 35): ita contra illa dispersa sunt, quae a Cicerone dissupata dici puto, Quint. 9, 3, 39.