As·sim·i·late v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assimilated p. pr. & vb. n. Assimilating ]
  1. To bring to a likeness or to conformity; to cause a resemblance between.
     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.
  assimilating
       adj : tending to or characterized by or causing assimilation
             (being absorbed into or incorporated); "an assimilative
             pattern"; "an assimilative process" [syn: assimilative,
              assimilatory]