Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.