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.