1. Closely connected or joined with some other, as in interest, purpose, employment, or office; sharing responsibility or authority; as, an associate judge. "While I descend . . . To my associate powers." (Milton)

2. Admitted to some, but not to all, rights and privileges; as, an associate member.

3. <physiology> Connected by habit or sympathy; as, associate motions, such as occur sympathetically, in consequence of preceding motions.

Origin: L. Associatus, p. P.

(01 Mar 1998)