The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word CONSORTIUM
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More clues leading to the result CONSORTIUM
- Working class in Channel Islands, I’m thinking, forms union
- Playing cousin Tom first in rugby union or league
- Association’s argument against foreign tourism
- More than one firm Tory type rejecting Heath from tedium
- Group making music, or not?
- Agree with hesitation to acquire one association
- Cheat the familyon the way back to the association
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "association" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case association = consortium.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONSORTIUM mean?
CONSORTIUM noun- An association or combination of businesses, financial institutions, or investors, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture.
- A similar arrangement among non-commercial institutions or organizations.
- An association or society.
- The right of a spouse to all the normal relationships with his or her mate.
- A group of symbiotic microbes.