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Glite Dictionary
rectifying valve

rectifying valve

9.9
An electronic tube that changes a back-and-forth flow of electricity into a one-way flow
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛktɪfaɪɪŋ vælv/
  • Archaic
translation icon : válvula rectificadora
  • Early radios often used a rectifying valve to convert AC power to DC.

Examples

  • Replacing the old rectifying valve improved the radio's performance.

  • The rectifying valve failed, causing the device to malfunction.

  • The rectifying valve is essential for converting AC to DC.

  • Many devices rely on a rectifying valve to function properly.

  • Early radios often used a rectifying valve to convert AC power to DC.

  • Replacing the old rectifying valve improved the radio's performance.

  • Many devices rely on a rectifying valve to function properly.

Synonyms

rectifier
vsrectifying valve
  • Specialized
1 7.8

A device that changes alternating electric current into direct current

is a specific thermionic two-electrode tube rather than any conversion device
rectifying tube
vsrectifying valve
  • Archaic
9.8

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

is an alternative technical term for the same tube

How Common

semiconductor diode
  • Specialized
5.5
rectifying valve
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

rectifying valve singular
rectifying valves plural

Morphology

rectify + valve

The noun is a straightforward composition of 'rectify' (to convert AC to DC) and 'valve' (a device), so its meaning — a device that performs rectification — is directly derivable from the constituents. Although the historical/technical detail that it refers to a thermionic tube may be unfamiliar, a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it denotes a device for converting alternating to direct current.

Etymology

Rectifying valve comes from the image of a valve that lets a flow go one way and rectifying meaning making the flow straight instead of back-and-forth. So a rectifying valve is a part that 'changes' 'AC', electricity that goes back and forth, into 'DC', electricity that goes one way, and that is why the name means a device that makes electric flow one-way.