Assimilation

n. [Lat. assimilatio, Fr. assimilation, Pr. assimilacio.] 1. The act of assimilating or bringing to a resemblance, likeness, or identity; or a state of resemblance or identity. The pleasing illusions . . . which, by a bland assimilation, incorporated into politics the sentiments which beautify and soften private society. Burke. 2. (Physiol.) The conversion of nutriment into the fluid or solid substance of the body, whether in plants or animals. Not conserving the body, not repairing it by assimilation. Browne. ☞ The term assimilation has been limited by some to the final process by which the blood is converted into the substance of the organs. 3. (Pathol.) The supposed conversion of the fluids of the body to the nature of any morbific matter. [Obs.] Parr.