GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    
    Assimilate , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assimilated ; p. pr. & vb. n. Assimilating .] [L. assimilatus, p. p. of assimilare; ad + similare to make like, similis like. See Similar, Assemble, Assimilate.]
    1. To bring to a likeness or to conformity; to cause a resemblance between.
      Sir M. Hale.

      1913 Webster

      To assimilate our law to the law of Scotland.
      John Bright.

      1913 Webster

      Fast falls a fleecy; the downy flakes
      Assimilate all objects.
      Cowper.

      1913 Webster

    2. To liken; to compare. [R.]
      1913 Webster
    3. To appropriate and transform or incorporate into the substance of the assimilating body; to absorb or appropriate, as nourishment; as, food is assimilated and converted into organic tissue.
      1913 Webster

      Hence also animals and vegetables may assimilate their nourishment.
      Sir I. Newton.

      1913 Webster

      His mind had no power to assimilate the lessons.
      Merivale.

      1913 Webster

  2.       
    
    Assimilate, v. i.
    1. To become similar or like something else. [R.]
      1913 Webster
    2. To change and appropriate nourishment so as to make it a part of the substance of the assimilating body.
      1913 Webster

      Aliment easily assimilated or turned into blood.
      Arbuthnot.

      1913 Webster

    3. To be converted into the substance of the assimilating body; to become incorporated; as, some kinds of food assimilate more readily than others.
      1913 Webster

      I am a foreign material, and cannot assimilate with the church of England.
      J. H. Newman.

      1913 Webster