Definition of assimilate

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< assimilable

assimilation >

as·sim·i·late    (-sm-lt) KEY 

VERB:
as·sim·i·lat·ed, as·sim·i·lat·ing, as·sim·i·lates
VERB:
tr.

1. Physiology
   1. To consume and incorporate (nutrients) into the body after digestion.
   2. To transform (food) into living tissue by the process of anabolism; metabolize constructively.
2. To incorporate and absorb into the mind: assimilate knowledge.
3. To make similar; cause to resemble.
4. Linguistics To alter (a sound) by assimilation.
5. To absorb (immigrants or a culturally distinct group) into the prevailing culture.

VERB:
intr.

To become assimilated.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English assimilaten, from Latin assimilre, assimilt-, to make similar to : ad-, ad- + similis, like; see sem-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
as·simi·lator(Noun)