–verb (used with object) 1. to take in and incorporate as one’s own; absorb: He assimilated many new experiences on his European trip.

2. to bring into conformity with the customs, attitudes, etc., of a group, nation, or the like; adapt or adjust: to assimilate the new immigrants.

3. Physiology. to convert (food) to substances suitable for incorporation into the body and its tissues.

4. to cause to resemble (usually fol. by to or with).

5. to compare; liken (usually fol. by to or with).

6. Phonetics. to modify by assimilation.

–verb (used without object) 7. to be or become absorbed.

8. to conform or adjust to the customs, attitudes, etc., of a group, nation, or the like: The new arrivals assimilated easily and quickly.

9. Physiology. (of food) to be converted into the substance of the body; be absorbed into the system.

10. to bear a resemblance (usually fol. by to or with).

11. Phonetics. to become modified by assimilation.

–noun 12. something that is assimilated.

RE:
what does the word assimilate mean?