Assimilation
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Assimilation, from Latin assimilatio meaning "to render similar", is used to describe various phenomena:
- The process of assimilating new ideas into a schema (cognitive structure). See schema (psychology). In the theories of Jean Piaget, the application of a general schema to a particular instance).
- In psychoanalysis, a mutual penetration of conscious and unconscious contents.
- A linguistic process by which a sound becomes similar to an adjacent sound. See Assimilation (linguistics).
- In linguistics assimilation may also refer to the process of integrating a loanword, and if needed adapt it, into the system of the receiving language.
- The conversion of nutrient into the fluid or solid substance of the body, by the processes of digestion and absorption. See Assimilation (biology).
- The ability of water to purify itself of pollutants.
- The process whereby a minority group gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture. See Assimilation (sociology).
- In economy, the absorption of a new issue by the public after all shares have been sold by the underwriting group.
- In computer science, the modification of anti-virus software to detect a new virus.
- In typesetting, the symmetry property possessed in varying degrees by a typeface that creates mirror relationships and other similarities of form between letters
- Process used by the fictional Borg race to integrate a being into the collective structure. See Assimilation (Star Trek).
fr:Assimilation lt:Asimiliacija nl:Assimilatie pl:Asymilacja