partners

part·ner  (pärtnr)

n.

1. One that is united or associated with another or others in an activity or a sphere of common interest, especially:

a. A member of a business partnership.

b. A spouse.

c. A domestic partner. See Usage Note at domestic partner.

d. Either of two persons dancing together.

e. One of a pair or team in a sport or game, such as tennis or bridge.

2. Nautical A wooden framework used to strengthen a ship's deck at the point where a mast or other structure passes through it. Often used in the plural.

v. part·nered, part·ner·ing, part·ners

v.tr.

1. To make a partner of.

2. To bring together as partners.

3. To be the partner of.

v.intr.

To work or perform as a partner or partners.

---

[Middle English partener, alteration (influenced by part, part) of parcener, parcener; see parcener.]

Synonyms: partner, colleague, ally, confederate
These nouns all denote one who is united or associated with another, as in a venture or relationship. A partner participates in a relationship in which each member has equal status: a partner in a law firm.
A colleague is an associate in an occupation or a profession: a colleague and fellow professor.
An ally is one who associates with another, at least temporarily, in a common cause: countries that were allies in World War II.
A confederate is a member of a confederacy, a league, or an alliance or sometimes a collaborator in a suspicious venture: confederates in a scheme to oust the chairman.

---

partners [ˈpɑːtnəz]

pl n

(Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a wooden construction around an opening in a deck, as to support a mast