dissociation

dis·so·ci·a·tion   (dĭ-sō'sē-ā'shən, -shē-)    n.   The act of dissociating or the condition of having been dissociated. Chemistry The process by which the action of a solvent or a change in physical condition, as in pressure or temperature, causes a molecule to split into simpler groups of atoms, single atoms, or ions. The separation of an electrolyte into ions of opposite charge. Psychiatry A psychological defense mechanism in which specific, anxiety-provoking thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations are separated from the rest of the psyche.

Main Entry: dis·so·ci·a·tion
Pronunciation: (")dis-"O-sE-'A-sh&n, -shE-
Function: noun
1 : the act or process ofdissociating : the state of being dissociated: as a : the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents; especially : one thatresults from the action of energy (as heat) on a gas or of a solvent on a dissolved substance b : the separation of whole segments of the personality (as in multiple personality) or ofdiscrete mental processes (as in the schizophrenias) from the mainstream of consciousness or of behavior with loss of integrated awareness and autonomous functioning of the separated segments or parts
2 : the process by which some biological stocks (as of certain bacteria) differentiate into two or more distinct and relatively permanent strains; also : such astrain

dissociation dis·so·ci·a·tion (dĭ-sō'sē-ā'shən, -shē-)
n.

1. The chemical process by which the action of a solvent or a change in physical condition, as in pressure or temperature, causes a molecule to split into simpler groups of atoms, single atoms, or ions.

2. The separation of an electrolyte into ions of opposite charge.

3. Separation of a group of related psychological activities into autonomously functioning units, as in the generation of multiple personalities.

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dis·so'ci·ate' v.
dis·so'ci·a'tive adj.