Dissociation, n.
Etymology: [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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists dissociation only as an antonym, under union.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given