\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 compa?e. [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.

\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.