the sexual partner of a bird or other animal
a male bird sings to court a mate
a friend or companion
my best mate Steve
an assistant or deputy in certain trades
a plumber's mate
(of animals or birds) come together for breeding; copulate
successful males may mate with many females
ovulation occurs only if mating has taken place
connect or be connected mechanically
the four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox