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rectify
6 dictionary results for: Rectify
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
rec·ti·fy       [rek-tuh-fahy] Pronunciation Key
–verb (used with object), -fied, -fy·ing.
1.to make, put, or set right; remedy; correct: He sent them a check to rectify his account.
2.to put right by adjustment or calculation, as an instrument or a course at sea.
3.Chemistry. to purify (esp. a spirit or liquor) by repeated distillation.
4.Electricity. to change (an alternating current) into a direct current.
5.to determine the length of (a curve).
6.Astronomy, Geography. to adjust (a globe) for the solution of any proposed problem.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME rectifien < MF rectifier < ML réctificāre, equiv. to L réct(us) right + -ificāre -ify]

—Synonyms 1. mend, emend, amend. 2. adjust, regulate, straighten.
—Antonyms 1. worsen, muddle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
rec·ti·fy       (rěk'tə-fī')  Pronunciation Key 
tr.v.   rec·ti·fied, rec·ti·fy·ing, rec·ti·fies
  1. To set right; correct.
  2. To correct by calculation or adjustment. See Synonyms at correct.
  3. Chemistry To refine or purify, especially by distillation.
  4. Electronics To convert (alternating current) into direct current.
  5. To adjust (the proof of alcoholic beverages) by adding water or other liquids.


[Middle English rectifien, from Old French rectifier, from Medieval Latin rēctificāre : Latin rēctus, right; see reg- in Indo-European roots + Latin -ficāre, -fy.]

rec'ti·fi'a·ble adj., rec'ti·fi·ca'tion (-fĭ-kā'shən) n.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
rectify 
c.1400, from O.Fr. rectifier, lit. "to make straight" (14c.), from L.L. rectificare "make right" (3c.), from L. rectus "straight" (see right) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
rectify

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

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

rectify rec·ti·fy (rěk'tə-fī')
v. rec·ti·fied, rec·ti·fy·ing, rec·ti·fies

  1. To set right; correct.
  2. To refine or purify, especially by distillation.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Rectify

Rec"ti*fy\ (-f?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rectified (-f?d); p. pr. & vb. n. Rectifying (-f?`?ng).] [F. rectifier, LL. rectificare; L. rectus right + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Right, and -fy.]

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.

To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.

Syn: To amend; emend; correct; better; mend; reform; redress; adjust; regulate; improve. See Amend.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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