from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Assimilate \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.
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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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2. To liken; to compa?e. [R.]
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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.
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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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