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rectifier

rectifier

1 7.8
A device that changes alternating electric current into direct current
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛktɪˌfaɪər/
  • Specialized
: rectificador
  • A rectifier is then used to convert AC to DC.

Let's compare and contrast a three phase rectifier to a single phase rectifier.

Examples

  • The rectifier action of the diode—that is, its restriction of current flow to only one direction—is key to the operation of the photovoltaic device.

    Academic text (1993)
  • One noteworthy feature of the NHMFL facility at Tallahassee is the size and high precision of its DC power supply, which is a solid-state rectifier.

    Academic text (1994)
  • OK, maybe the bridge rectifier is at fault.

  • What could go wrong with the rectifier that could possibly cook a ground wire?

    Blog text (21)
  • This is the new Dual Rectifier that has just come out.

  • I also would need to replace the rectifier.

    Blog text (21)
  • Anyway, here we have a full bridge rectifier and two probes, one to measure the input and the other one to measure the output.

  • These adjustments can be made automatically through computer-controlled rectifier units.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The typical configuration is a static double conversion UPS consisting of a rectifier, battery charger, battery string, and inverter.

    Blog text (26)
  • The technician installed a new rectifier to ensure the machine ran on direct current.

Synonyms

electrical converter
vsrectifier
  • Specialized
1 4.3

A device that changes electricity between the type that goes back and forth and the type that flows one way

focuses only on converting alternating into direct, not bidirectional change
full-wave rectifier
vsrectifier
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A device that changes electricity that goes back and forth into a steady positive flow

performs the same conversion but not necessarily on both waveform halves
rectifier diode
vsrectifier
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A small electronic part that lets electric current flow one way to make direct current

is the general device that converts alternating into direct electricity
rotary converter
vsrectifier
  • Archaic
1 9.4

A machine with a spinning part that changes alternating current into direct current and back

is the simple electronic device that converts alternating into direct without moving parts
junction rectifier
vsrectifier
  • Specialized
7.1

An electrical part that changes a two-way flow of electricity into a one-way flow for power supplies

is broader, naming the general task rather than this specific semiconductor type
crystal rectifier
vsrectifier
  • Archaic
7.9

A small electronic device that changes alternating current into direct current

describes the general converting function without specifying the solid material used
rectifying tube
vsrectifier
  • Archaic
9.8

A glass tube with two metal parts that changes alternating current into direct current

is the broad electrical device doing that conversion regardless of technology used
rectifying valve
vsrectifier
  • Archaic
9.9

An electronic tube that changes a back-and-forth flow of electricity into a one-way flow

names the general converting device rather than this older vacuum technology
synchronous converter
vsrectifier
  • Specialized
7.2

A machine that changes electricity that changes direction into electricity that flows one way

is the static electrical device used only to change alternating into direct output

Compounds

full-wave rectifier
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A device that changes electricity that goes back and forth into a steady positive flow

rectifier diode
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A small electronic part that lets electric current flow one way to make direct current

7.9

A small electronic device that changes alternating current into direct current

junction rectifier
  • Specialized
7.1

An electrical part that changes a two-way flow of electricity into a one-way flow for power supplies

How Efficient

crystal rectifier
  • Archaic
7.9
rectifier
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Surface Forms

rectifier singular
rectifiers plural

Morphology

rectifier = rectify (semi-transparent) = rectify + er

Morphologically transparent as 'rectify' + '-er', but the electrical sense is specialized and may not be obvious to general learners who know only the general 'correct' sense.

Etymology

Rectifier comes from the Latin root rect- meaning 'straight', and a helpful picture is a device that makes an electric flow go 'straight' instead of 'back and forth', which is why it turns alternating current into direct current.