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.
<-- (Elec.) To convert (alternating current) to direct current. -->
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 1913.