dissociation

dissociation definition - medical

dis·so·ci·a·tion (dĭ-sōˌsē-āˈshən, -shē-)

noun
  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.

Related Forms:

  • dis·soˈci·ateˌ verb

Related Forms:

  • dis·soˈci·aˌtive adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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