vb, -at*ed  -at*ing vt  1  :  to join or connect (things) together  2  :  to bring together in a relationship <infectious disease associated with a rise in body temperature>  vi  1  :  to combine or join with other parts <fibrils of the sensory neurons with motor neurons -S. J. Jacob & C. A. Francone>   2  :  to engage in free association <the patient associated freely about his childhood> 
adj :  ranking immediately below the senior or chief position < clinical professor of medicine>  < medical examiner> 
, n 1  :  a research worker or teacher affiliated with a professional organization or institution and ranking below a professor or full member <a research in pathology>   2  often cap  :  a degree conferred esp. by a junior college <an Associate in Technical Arts degree in nursing -Skagit Valley Coll. Catalog>  .
 
 
 
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