GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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.]
   To bring to a likeness or to conformity; to cause a resemblance between.
   Sir M. Hale.
   
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   To assimilate our law to the law of Scotland.
   John Bright.
   
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   Fast falls a fleecy; the downy flakes
   Assimilate all objects.
   Cowper.
   
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   To liken; to compare. [R.]
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   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.
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   Hence also animals and vegetables may assimilate their nourishment.
   Sir I. Newton.
   
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   His mind had no power to assimilate the lessons.
   Merivale.
   
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2.       
   Assimilate, v. i.
   To become similar or like something else. [R.]
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   To change and appropriate nourishment so as to make it a part of the substance of the assimilating body.
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   Aliment easily assimilated or turned into blood.
   Arbuthnot.
   
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   To be converted into the substance of the assimilating body; to become incorporated; as, some kinds of food assimilate more readily than others.
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   I am a foreign material, and cannot assimilate with the church of England.
   J. H. Newman.
   
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