assimilation

as·sim·i·la·tion

noun \ə-ˌsim-ə-ˈlā-shən\

Definition of ASSIMILATION

1

a : an act, process, or instance of assimilating b : the state of being assimilated

2

: the incorporation or conversion of nutrients into protoplasm that in animals follows digestion and absorption and in higher plants involves both photosynthesis and root absorption

3

: the process of receiving new facts or of responding to new situations in conformity with what is already available to consciousness—compare apperception