The Collaborative International Dictionary
dissipative
dissipative \dis"si*pa*tive\ (d[i^]s"s[i^]*p[asl]*t[i^]v), a. Tending to dissipate.
Dissipative system (Mech.), an assumed system of matter and motions in which forces of friction and resistances of other kinds are introduced without regard to the heat or other molecular actions which they generate; -- opposed to conservative system.
Wiktionary
dissipative
a. That dissipates, or causes dissipation
Wikipedia
Usage examples of "dissipative".
About the really interesting and utterly unique things that make history history and not just a dissipative structure, systems science can tell us precious little.
There will be a race between the gathering and management of energy sources and the dissipative effects of the universe's general decay.