ETYM Latin assimilare; ad to, toward + similis similar.
1. To become similar to one's environment.
2. To make similar.
3. To become similar in sound; in phonetics.
4. To take into solution, as of gas, light, or heat; SYN. imbibe.
5. Make or become similar; compare; incorporate; digest; absorb; be incorporated, digested, or absorbed.

ETYM See Peer (n.).
(Homonym: pier).
To look searchingly.