associate definition

1. a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
• examples: he had to consult his associate before continuing
2. a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise
• examples: associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners
3. any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another
• examples: first was the lightning and then its thunderous associate
4. a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies
5. make a logical or causal connection
• examples: I cannot connect these two pieces of evidence in my mind
• examples: colligate these facts
• examples: I cannot relate these events at all
6. having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status
• examples: an associate member
• examples: an associate professor