rectifier

[ rek-tuh-fahy-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that rectifies.
2. Electricity. an apparatus in which current flows more readily in one direction than the other, for changing an alternating current into a direct current.
3. the apparatus that in distillation separates the most volatile material by condensing it; condenser.

rectifier

/ ˈrɛktɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. an electronic device, such as a semiconductor diode or valve, that converts an alternating current to a direct current by suppression or inversion of alternate half cycles
2. chem an apparatus for condensing a hot vapour to a liquid in distillation; condenser
3. a thing or person that rectifies

rectifier

/ rĕk′tə-fī′ər /

1. An electrical device that converts alternating current to direct current. Rectifiers are most often made of a combination of diodes, which allow current to pass in one direction only.
2. Compare converter

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectifier¹

First recorded in 1605–15; rectify + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Soon, the stores were filled with battery-less radio sets using rectifier tubes.

From The Daily Beast

The mercury arc rectifier is a device for changing an alternating current into a direct current.

From Project Gutenberg

The English rectifier endeavours to imitate this by the addition of a little sugar.

From Project Gutenberg

The mercury-arc rectifier proper consists of a glass bulb containing vacuum and a small amount of mercury.

From Project Gutenberg

The circuit of a mercury-arc rectifier charging outfit is shown in Fig. 415.

From Project Gutenberg

Where no direct current supply is available, a motor-generator or a rectifier must be installed.

From Project Gutenberg