rectify Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb math: determine the length of
    • rectify a curve
  2. verb reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
    refine.
    • refine sugar
  3. verb bring, lead, or force to abandon a wrong or evil course of life, conduct, and adopt a right one
    regenerate; reclaim; reform.
    • The Church reformed me
    • reform your conduct
  4. verb set straight or right
    amend; repair; remedy; remediate.
    • remedy these deficiencies
    • rectify the inequities in salaries
    • repair an oversight
  5. verb make right or correct
    right; correct.
    • Correct the mistakes
    • rectify the calculation
  6. verb convert into direct current
    • rectify alternating current

WordNet

Rec"ti*fy transitive verb
Etymology
F. rectifier, LL. rectificare; L. rectus right + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Right, and -fy.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Rectified present participle & verbal noun Rectifying
Definitions
  1. To make or set right; to correct from a wrong, erroneous, or false state; to amend; as, to rectify errors, mistakes, or abuses; to rectify the will, the judgment, opinions; to rectify disorders.
    I meant to rectify my conscience. Shak.
    This was an error of opinion which a conflicting opinion would have rectified. Burke.
  2. (Chem.) To refine or purify by repeated distillation or sublimation, by which the fine parts of a substance are separated from the grosser; as, to rectify spirit of wine.
  3. (Com.) To produce ( as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky, rum, etc.), flavoring substances, etc., being added. (Elec.) To convert (alternating current) to direct current. Syn. -- To amend; emend; correct; better; mend; reform; redress; adjust; regulate; improve. See Amend.

Webster 1913