\begin{definition}[Definition:Associate/Commutative and Unitary Ring]
Let $\struct {R, +, \circ}$ be a commutative ring with unity.
Let $x, y \in R$.
Then $x$ and $y$ are '''associates (in $R$)''' {{iff}} there exists a unit $u$ of $\struct {R, +, \circ}$ such that $u \circ x = y$.
\end{definition}