rectifier

American  

[rek-tuh-fahy-er] / ˈrɛk təˌfaɪ ər /

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.

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rectifier British  

/ 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

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rectifier Scientific  

/ 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 transformer

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Etymology

Origin of rectifier

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

Example Sentences

Autumn, who has been working on a machine that resembles a large lathe — a ringer, which generates telephone rings — passes De Jaen and the rectifier.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

About an hour later, De Jaen and the rectifier have attracted a small crowd of volunteers, all eager to see whether the thing will ignite.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

This is then converted into direct current by a rectifier, and is used to top up the vehicle’s battery.

From Economist • Oct. 26, 2017

The Klein "speech rectifier" includes a tiny microphone that is worn over the larynx.

From Time Magazine Archive

My brother said its possible if you have an antenna and a rectifier and something to seme as a speaker.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr