| rectalgia | Pain at the anus, or in the rectum. Synonym: proctodynia, rectalgia. Origin: proct-+ G. Algos, pain (05 Mar 2000) |
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| rectangle | <geometry> A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram. As the area of a rectangle is expressed by the product of its two dimensions, the term rectangle is sometimes used for product; as, the rectangle of a and b, that is, ab. Origin: F, fr. L. Rectus right + angulus angle. See Right, and Angle. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rectangular amputation | Amputation in which the flaps are fashioned in the shape of a rectangle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rectectomy | Surgical resection of the rectum. Synonym: rectectomy. Origin: proct-+ G. Ektome, excision (05 Mar 2000) |
| rectifiable | 1. Capable of being rectified; as, a rectifiable mistake. 2. <mathematics> Admitting, as a curve, of the construction of a straight le equal in length to any definite portion of the curve. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rectification | 1. The act or operation of rectifying; as, the rectification of an error; the rectification of spirits. "After the rectification of his views, he was incapable of compromise with profounder shapes of error." (De Quincey) 2. <geometry> The determination of a straight line whose length is equal a portion of a curve. <astronomy> Rectification of a globe, its adjustment preparatory to the solution of a proposed problem. Origin: Cf. F. Rectification. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rectificator | <chemistry> That which rectifies or refines; especially, a part of a distilling apparatus in which the more volatile portions are separated from the less volatile by the process of evaporation and condensation; a rectifier. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rectified optics | <microscopy> Microscope lens system correcting the rotation of polarized light that takes place at high-incidence-angle interfaces between the polarizer and analyser. Rectification provides high extinction for polarized-light and Differential Interference Contrast microscopy at high numerical apertures, thus permitting bifringence or phase retardation combined with high in g low phase. (05 Aug 1998) |
| rectified spirit | <chemical> An organic chemical containing one or more hydroxyl groups. Alcohols can be liquids, semisolids or solids at room temperature. Common alcohols include ethanol (the type found in alcoholic beverages) methanol (found in methylated spirit and can cause blindness and other nervous system damage if ingested) and propanol. (06 May 1997) |
| rectified tar oil | A volatile oil distilled from pine tar; used externally in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| rectifier | 1. One who, or that which, rectifies. 2. <chemistry> Specifically: A rectificator. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| rectifier tube | An electronic tube, used in X-ray transformers, to convert alternating to direct current. (05 Mar 2000) |
| 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) |
| rectifying synapse | <physiology> An electrical synapse at which current flow can only occur in one direction. (18 Nov 1997) |
| rectinerved | <botany> Having the veins or nerves straight; said of leaves. Origin: Recti- + nerve. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |