| rectify | 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. <chemistry> 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. To produce (as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky, rum, etc), flavoring substances, etc, being added. To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem. Synonym: To amend, emend, correct, better, mend, reform, redress, adjust, regulate, improve. See Amend. Origin: F. Rectifier, LL. Rectificare; L. Rectus right + -ficare (in comp) to make. See Right, and -fy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| rectifying synapse | <physiology> An electrical synapse at which current flow can only occur in one direction. (18 Nov 1997) |