n. [ L. assimilatio: cf. F. assimilation. ] 1. The act or process of assimilating or bringing to a resemblance, likeness, or identity; also, the state of being so assimilated; as, the assimilation of one sound to another. [ 1913 Webster ]

To aspire to an assimilation with God. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

The assimilation of gases and vapors. Sir J. Herschel. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physiol.) The conversion of nutriment into the fluid or solid substance of the body, by the processes of digestion and absorption, whether in plants or animals. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not conversing the body, not repairing it by assimilation, but preserving it by ventilation. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The term assimilation has been limited by some to the final process by which the nutritive matter of the blood is converted into the substance of the tissues and organs. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Physics) The decomposition of complex substances, within the organism, into simpler ones suitable only for excretion, with evolution of energy, -- a normal nutritional process the reverse of assimilation; downward metabolism; -- now more commonly called catabolism. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

The breaking down of already existing chemical compounds into simpler ones, sometimes called disassimilation. Martin. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Mal- + assimilation. ] (Physiol.) (a) Imperfect digestion of the several leading constituents of the food. (b) An imperfect elaboration by the tissues of the materials brought to them by the blood. [ 1913 Webster ]