rectifier

[Eng. rectify; -er.] I. Ordinary Language : 3381 north and south, ending at the east and west in 90°. The fixed compa represents the horizon, in which the north and all the other points are liable to variation. ( Smyth .) rěc-ti-fÿ, *rec-ti-fle, v . t . [Fr. rectifier , from Low Latin rectifico to make right; Latin rectus = right, and facio to make; Sp & Port. rectificar ; Ital. rettificare .] I. Ord. Lang .: To make or set right or correct that which is wrong, incorrect, or erroneous; to amend. "Truth, although in swaddling clothes, I find, Informs the judgment, rectifies the mind." Bunyan: Pilgrim's Progre (Prol.) II. Technically : 1. Chem.: To refine or purify spirit or common alcohol by a proce of distillation, with the aid of certain herbs, e ences, and other flavoring ingredients. More strictly, to separate the lighter portions of any liquid, and render pure and homogeneous any alcohol, ether, or volatile oil, by repeated distillation. 2. Geom.: To construct a straight line equal in length to a definite portion of. (Said of a curve.) Astron. or Geog .: To bring the sun's place in the IMG:content-0306.png:[blocks in formation] rěc-ti-lin'-ě-ar, a . [RECTILINEAL.] rěc-ti-lin-ě-ar-i-ty, s . [Eng rectilinear ; -ity.] The quality or state of being rectilinear. "The rectilinearity or undulatory motion of light."Cole ridge. rěc-ti-lin-e-ar-ly, adv. [Eng.rectilinear; -ly.] Rectilineally. "They all tend rectilinearly toward a center."-Poe: Eureka ( Works 1864, ii., 143). *rec-ti-lin-e-oŭs, adj . [Lat. recti line us .] The same as RECTILINEAL (q. v.). "There are only three recti line ous and ordinate figures which can serve to this purpose." -Ray: On the Creation, pt. i.