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assimilative (adj.)
1520s; see assimilate + -ive. Alternative assimilatory is from 1775.
Entries linking to assimilative
assimilate (v.)early 15c., in physiology, "absorb into and make part of the body," from Latin assimilatus, past participle of assimilare, assimulare "to make like, copy, imitate, assume the form of; feign, pretend," from assimilated form of ad "to" (see ad-) + simulare "make similar," from similis "like, resembling, of the same kind" (see similar).
Meaning "make alike, cause to resemble," and intransitive sense "become incorporated into" are from 1620s. In linguistics, "bring into accordance or agreement in speech," from 1854. Related: Assimilated; assimilating.
Meaning "make alike, cause to resemble," and intransitive sense "become incorporated into" are from 1620s. In linguistics, "bring into accordance or agreement in speech," from 1854. Related: Assimilated; assimilating.
-ive word-forming element making adjectives from verbs, meaning "pertaining to, tending to; doing, serving to do," in some cases from Old French -if, but usually directly from Latin adjectival suffix -ivus (source also of Italian and Spanish -ivo). In some words borrowed from French at an early date it has been reduced to -y (as in hasty, tardy).
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Definitions of assimilative
assimilative (adj.)
capable of mentally absorbing;
assimilative capacity of the human mind
assimilative processes
assimilative (adj.)
capable of taking (gas, light, or liquids) into a solution;
an assimilative substance
Synonyms: assimilating / assimilatory
Dictionary entries near assimilative
assignment
assimilable
assimilate
assimilation
assimilationist
assimilative
assist
assistance
assistant
assize
ass-kissing
