Friendly clot clutching nickel (9)
I believe the answer is:
congenial
'friendly' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
'clot clutching nickel' is the wordplay.
'clot' becomes 'congeal' (I've seen this before).
'clutching' indicates putting letters inside.
'nickel' becomes 'Ni' (Ni is the chemical symbol for nickel).
'congeal' enclosing 'ni' is 'CONGENIAL'.
(Other definitions for congenial that I've seen before include "Having similar interests" , "Harmonious and friendly" , "Suited to one's taste" , "relaxing" , "Pleasant and agreeable" .)