Yes, associate is playable
...and is worth 12 points.
Found in the following dictionaries
Enable (Words with friends)
SOWPODS (Collins Scrabble Words)
OTCWL2014 (NASPA Word List 2014)
TWL06 (NASPA List 2006)
"Associate" Definition
noun
A member of an institution or society who is granted only partial status or privileges.
A person united with another or others in an act, enterprise, or business; a partner or colleague.
One that habitually accompanies or is associated with another; an attendant circumstance.
A degree conferred especially by a junior college .
adjective
Following or accompanying; concomitant.
Having partial status or privileges: an associate member of the club.
Joined with another or others and having equal or nearly equal status: an associate editor.
Having secondary or subordinate status .
Closely related especially in the mind.
verb-transitive
To connect in the mind or imagination: "I always somehow associate Chatterton with autumn” ( John Keats).
To connect or join together; combine.
To join as a partner, ally, or friend.
verb-intransitive
To join in or form a league, union, or association. See Synonyms at join.
To spend time socially; keep company: associates with her coworkers on weekends.
verb
To combine or join with other parts .
To come or be together as partners, friends, or companions.
To bring together or into relationship in any of various intangible ways (as in memory or imagination).
To join or connect together .
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