̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈlāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from Medieval Latin assimilation-, assimilatio physiological assimilation, from Latin assimulatio, assimilatio similarity, from assimulatus, assimilatus (past participle of assimulare, assimilare to make similar) + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the act or process of assimilating
this creative assimilation of what is handed down constitutes the great conservative force in poetry — J.L.Lowes
b. : the quality or state of being assimilated
some writings had to be translated many times before reaching their final assimilation — G.A.L.Sarton
2.
a. : the conversion or incorporation of nutritive material into the fluid or solid substance of the body and being the last stage or series of stages in the process of nutrition following after digestion and absorption or occurring with the latter
b. : the incorporation of foreign blastematous material into the organized pattern of an embryo or blastema (as in certain experimental transfers of tissue)
c.
(1) : the incorporation of food materials into the protoplasm : photosynthesis together with root absorption
(2) : photosynthesis — used especially in England
3. : the process in which the chemical composition of molten magmas is changed by the fusion of the country rock with which they come in contact
4. : partial or total adaptation of the position or type of articulation of a particular sound (as a consonant) to that of an adjacent or neighboring sound — compare umlaut
in the word cupboard the p sound of the word cup has undergone complete assimilation
in conduct the m of the prefix com- shows assimilation
5. : the process of receiving new facts or responding to new situations in conformity with what is already available to consciousness — compare apperception
6. : sociocultural fusion wherein individuals and groups of differing ethnic heritage acquire the basic habits, attitudes, and mode of life of an embracing national culture — distinguished from acculturation