Association (Noun)
Meaning 1
(chemistry) any process of combination (especially in solution) that depends on relatively weak chemical bonding.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The complexation of the metal ions with the ligands led to an association that resulted in a stable compound.
- In analytical chemistry, ion association can be used to determine the concentration of certain ions in solution.
- The slow association of the reactants in the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was kinetically controlled.
- The self-association of surfactant molecules in water formed micelles that could solubilize non-polar compounds.
- The charge-transfer complex formed through the association of the donor and acceptor molecules exhibited a unique electronic absorption spectrum.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
The act of consorting with or joining with others; "you cannot be convicted of criminal guilt by association".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- He was accused of being involved with organized crime by association with known felons.
- The judge instructed the jury that they could not convict the defendant solely on the basis of guilt by association with the other suspects.
- Her friend's involvement in the scandal led to the politician's downfall due to her association with the corrupt businessperson.
- He lost his job due to his association with a competitor, as it was seen as a conflict of interest.
- The celebrity's reputation was tarnished by association with the scandal, even though she was not directly involved.
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
The process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination; "conditioning is a form of learning by association".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
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Meaning 4
A relation resulting from interaction or dependence; "flints were found in association with the prehistoric remains of the bear"; "the host is not always injured by association with a parasite".
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Related Words
Meaning 5
(ecology) a group of organisms (plants and animals) that live together in a certain geographical region and constitute a community with a few dominant species.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The coral reef association is a complex community consisting of numerous species of fish, invertebrates, and algae that work together to create a thriving ecosystem.
- In the Arctic tundra, a characteristic association of lichens, mosses, and low-growing shrubs dominates the landscape.
- The rocky shoreline association in the Mediterranean is characterized by a variety of seaweeds, barnacles, and anemones that are adapted to withstand the strong waves and salty spray.
- In the deciduous forest association of eastern North America, sugar maple, beech, and oak trees form the canopy, while ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs make up the understory.
- The freshwater association in a slow-moving stream might include a mix of aquatic plants such as cattails, water lilies, and algae, as well as animals like fish, crayfish, and frogs.
Hypernyms
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Meaning 6
A formal organization of people or groups of people; "he joined the Modern Language Association".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- She was a member of the local bar association and often volunteered her time to help low-income families with their legal issues.
- The national science association awarded a grant to the research team to study the effects of climate change on polar bear habitats.
- He considered joining the firefighters association to network with other professionals in his field and stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and equipment.
- The art association in her town sponsored a gallery exhibit of local artists' work, including several of her own pieces.
- The medical association published a study on the effectiveness of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease in its monthly journal.
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
- Syndicate
- Fellowship
- Sistership
- Northern Baptist Convention
- ASEAN
- Ring
- Guild
- Order
- Mob
- AARP
- Lodge
- VFW
- Social Club
- Gild
- Society
- Pool
- Conference
- Pack
Related Words
Meaning 7
The state of being connected together as in memory or imagination; "his association of his father with being beaten was too strong to break".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Her association of clowns with terror made her avoid the circus altogether.
- The smell of freshly baked cookies still evokes a strong association with her childhood home.
- He had a strange association of the color blue with sadness, and avoided wearing it.
- Her love of flowers was tied to her association of them with her deceased mother's garden.
- The patient's association of darkness with fear made sleep a difficult task for her.
Antonyms
Hypernyms
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Meaning 8
A social or business relationship; "a valuable financial affiliation"; "he was sorry he had to sever his ties with other members of the team"; "many close associations with England".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Their long-standing business association had led to many successful partnerships over the years.
- Membership in the exclusive club was seen as a valuable association that opened doors to new opportunities.
- She faced backlash for her past association with the controversial group and struggled to distance herself from them.
- His association with the prestigious university was a major selling point on his resume.
- The company's close association with a major tech firm has helped them stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation.