Defn: That which rectifies or refines; esp., 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.
RECTIFIER
Rec"ti*fi`er (rk"t*f`r), n.
1. One who, or that which, rectifies.
2. Specifically: (a) (Naut.) An instrument used for determining and rectifying the variations of the compass on board ship. (b) (Chem.) A rectificator.
RECTIFY
Rec"ti*fy (-f), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rectified (-fd); p. pr. & vb. n.
Rectifying (-f`ng).] Etym: [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.)
Defn: 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.)
Defn: 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.