WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Rec"ti*fy (-f)
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [F. rectifier, LL. rectificare; L. rectus right + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Right, and -fy.]
Definition : 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.

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

t. [imp. & p. p. Rectified (-fd); p. pr. & vb. n. Rectifying (-f`ng).]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913