As*sim"i*late (#), 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.

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

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

2.

To liken; to compare.

[R.]

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.

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

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

 

© Webster 1913.


As*sim"i*late, v. i.

1.

To become similar or like something else.

[R.]

2.

To change and appropriate nourishment so as to make it a part of the substance of the assimilating body.

Aliment easily assimilated or turned into blood. Arbuthnot.

3.

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

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

 

© Webster 1913.

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