partner

noun | part·ner
  1. : one of two or more persons associated as joint principals in carrying on a business for the purpose of enjoying a joint profit : a member of a partnership; specifically : a partner in a law firm : a partner in a law firm

    — dormant partner
    : silent partner in this entry

    — general partner
    : a partner whose liability for partnership debts and obligations is unlimited — compare limited partner in this entry

    — limited partner
    : a partner in a venture who has no management authority and whose liability is limited to the amount of his or her investment — compare general partner in this entry

    — partner in commendam
    in the civil law of Louisiana : limited partner in this entry

    — silent partner
    : a partner who takes no active part in conducting the partnership business but who receives a share of its profits and whose existence is often not made public — called also dormant partner