rectify

[rek-tuh-fahy] /ˈrɛk təˌfaɪ/
verb (used with object), rectified, rectifying.
1.
to make, put, or set right; remedy; correct:
He sent them a check to rectify his account.
2.
to put right by adjustment or calculation, as an instrument or a course at sea.
3.
Chemistry. to purify (especially a spirit or liquor) by repeated distillation.
4.
Electricity. to change (an alternating current) into a direct current.
5.
to determine the length of (a curve).
6.
Astronomy, Geography. to adjust (a globe) for the solution of any proposed problem.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English rectifien < Middle French rectifier < Medieval Latin rēctificāre, equivalent to Latin rēct(us) right + -ificāre -ify
Related forms
nonrectified, adjective
self-rectifying, adjective
unrectified, adjective
Synonyms
1. mend, emend, amend. 2. adjust, regulate, straighten.
Antonyms
1. worsen, muddle.
Examples from the web for rectify
  • We scholars have done little to rectify the situation, what with our boring books and our excesses of anti-charisma.
  • The best way to rectify such a situation is to make sure the next test is truer.
  • The initiative seeks to rectify coverage and credibility concerns by having professional psychologists participate.
  • Follow-up visits verify that corrective actions have been implemented to rectify cited deficiencies.
British Dictionary definitions for rectify

rectify

/ˈrɛktɪˌfaɪ/
verb (transitive) -fies, -fying, -fied
1.
to put right; correct; remedy
2.
to separate (a substance) from a mixture or refine (a substance) by fractional distillation
3.
to convert (alternating current) into direct current
4.
(maths) to determine the length of (a curve)
5.
to cause (an object) to assume a linear motion or characteristic
Derived Forms
rectifiable, adjective
rectification, noun
Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin rectificāre to adjust, from Latin rectus straight + facere to make
Word Origin and History for rectify
v.

c.1400, from Old French rectifier, literally "to make straight" (14c.), from Late Latin rectificare "make right," from Latin rectus "straight" (see right (adj.1)) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Related: Rectified; rectifying.

rectify in Medicine

rectify rec·ti·fy (rěk'tə-fī')
v. rec·ti·fied, rec·ti·fy·ing, rec·ti·fies

  1. To set right; correct.

  2. To refine or purify, especially by distillation.