2as·so·ci·ate 
/əˈsoʊʃijət/ noun
plural as·so·ci·ates /əˈsoʊʃijət/ noun [count] 1 : a person who you work with or spend time with
▪ business associates [=colleagues] ▪ Her associates respected her for her hard work. ▪ He is a known associate of criminals. [=he is known to associate with criminals; people know that he works with or spends time with criminals] 2 : a member of a group or organization who is at a level that is below the highest level
▪ She started as an associate at the law firm. — sometimes used in the names of companies ▪ He works for Jones and Associates, a consulting firm in Santa Fe.
▪ business associates [=colleagues] ▪ Her associates respected her for her hard work. ▪ He is a known associate of criminals. [=he is known to associate with criminals; people know that he works with or spends time with criminals]
▪ She started as an associate at the law firm. — sometimes used in the names of companies ▪ He works for Jones and Associates, a consulting firm in Santa Fe.
