Dis*so`ci*a"tion (?; 106), n. [L.
dissociatio: cf. F. dissociation.] 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.