Definition of: assimilate

(ə·sim′ə·lāt) v. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing v.t.
1. Physiol. To take up and incorporate, as food.
2. To make into a homogeneous part, as of a substance or system.
3. To make alike or similar; cause to resemble: to assimilate British law to the laws of Scotland.
4. Phonet. To cause (a sound) to undergo assimilation.
—v.i.
5. To become alike or similar.
6. To become absorbed or assimilated. See synonyms under COMPARE. [<L assimilatus, pp. of assimilare <ad- to + similare make like <similis like]