1 a person who helps or supports sb, usually in their job:
My assistant will now demonstrate the machine in action. * a senior research assistant * She works as a care assistant in an old people's home. * administrative / clerical / production assistants
seealsoPERSONALASSISTANT, TEACHINGASSISTANT
2 (BrE) = SHOPASSISTANT:
a sales assistant in a department store * Maybe one of our assistants can help you make your choice?
3 (BrE) a student at university or college who spends time in a foreign country teaching their language in a school
adjective [onlybeforenoun] (abbreviation Asst) (often in titles) having a rank below a senior person and helping them in their work:
the assistant manager * Assistant Chief Constable Owen * Assistant Attorney General William Weld
