The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            To assimilate our law to the law of Scotland. --John
                                                  Bright.
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            Fast falls a fleecy; the downy flakes
            Assimilate all objects.               --Cowper.
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   2. To liken; to compa?e. [R.]
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   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.
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            Hence also animals and vegetables may assimilate
            their nourishment.                    --Sir I.
                                                  Newton.
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            His mind had no power to assimilate the lessons.
                                                  --Merivale.
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