Can I convert .dat database to .db database to access it through sqlite3?

I have a thesaurus database with a .dat file extension which is unsupported in sqlite3.

Though I can fetch required info with grep command in bash but response has delay since file is 15MB.

Here is sample data:

abducent|2
(adj)|abducent |abducting
(noun)|abducent nerve|abducens|abducens nerve|nervus abducens|sixth cranial nerve|cranial nerve
abducent nerve|1
(noun)|abducent|abducens|abducens nerve|nervus abducens|sixth cranial nerve|cranial nerve
abduct|2
(verb)|kidnap|nobble|snatch|seize
(verb)|pull|draw|force
abducted|1
(adj)|kidnapped|kidnaped|seize
abducting|1
(adj)|abducent
abduction|2
(noun)|capture|seizure
(noun)|motion|movement|move|motility

Can you suggest anything helpful?