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rectify

 - 5 dictionary results

rec⋅ti⋅fy

  [rek-tuh-fahy]
Use rectify in a Sentence
–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 rēctificāre, equiv. to L rēct(us) right + -ificāre -ify

Synonyms:
1. mend, emend, amend. 2. adjust, regulate, straighten.

Antonyms:
1. worsen, muddle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rectify
rec·ti·fy   (rěk'tə-fī')   
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: rec·ti·fy
Pronunciation: 'rek-t&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to purify (as alcohol) especially by repeated or fractional distillation
2 : to make (an alternating current) unidirectional
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

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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