rectifier

noun

rec·​ti·​fi·​er ˈrek-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce rectifier (audio)
Synonyms of rectifiernext
: one that rectifies
specifically : a device for converting alternating current into direct current

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of rectifier in a Sentence

a tropical vacation is a surefire rectifier of the midwinter blues
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finally, at the fourth stage, a high-frequency rectifier converts the high-frequency AC back to DC, and then sends it to the vehicle’s battery. — Wally Rippel, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2025 The driver consists of four Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) arranged into a bridge rectifier circuit. — IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectifier was in 1607

Rhymes for rectifier

See All Rhymes for rectifier

Browse Nearby Words

rectified spirit
rectifier
rectifier instrument
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectifier. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on rectifier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rectifier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All