crystal rectifier
- noun
- /ˈkrɪstəl ˈrɛktɪfaɪər/
- Archaic
:
rectificador de cristal
- A crystal rectifier is commonly used in power supply circuits to convert AC to DC.
Examples
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Early radios often relied on the crystal rectifier to detect radio signals.
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I need to replace the crystal rectifier in my radio.
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The efficiency of a crystal rectifier makes it ideal for electronic applications.
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The crystal rectifier is essential in many electronic circuits.
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A crystal rectifier is commonly used in power supply circuits to convert AC to DC.
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The efficiency of a crystal rectifier makes it ideal for electronic applications.
-
Early radios often relied on the crystal rectifier to detect radio signals.
Synonyms
8
5.2
A small electronic part that lets electric current flow only one way
1
7.8
A device that changes alternating electric current into direct current
An electrical part that changes a two-way flow of electricity into a one-way flow for power supplies
A small electronic part that lets electric current flow one way to make direct current
A small electronic part used in power supplies and lights that lets electricity flow only one way
How Efficient
- Archaic
- Specialized
1
7.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is a straightforward noun–noun compound: 'rectifier' (a device that converts AC to DC) modified by 'crystal' (indicating it is made from or uses a crystal). This compositional pattern is literal and common in technical vocabulary, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the meaning.
Etymology
Crystal rectifier may come from early radio days when people used a small mineral crystal touched by a fine wire that let electricity pass more easily in one direction. People called that setup a rectifier, a 'one-way' device, so the name came to mean a device that turns alternating current into direct current.