RECTIFIER

Rectifier

A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current, which periodically reverses direction, to direct current, which flows in only one direction. The process is known as rectification. Physically, rectifiers take a number of forms, including vacuum tube diodes, mercury-arc valves, copper and selenium oxide rectifiers, semiconductor diodes, silicon-controlled rectifiers and other silicon-based semiconductor switches. Historically, even synchronous electromechanical switches and motors have been used. Early radio receivers, called crystal radios, used a "cat's whisker" of fine wire pressing on a crystal of galena to serve ...

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Rectifier
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

rectifier

Noun

  1. Something that rectifies.
  2. A device that converts alternating current into direct current; often a diode.
  3. An instrument used for determining and rectifying the variations of the compass on board ship.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: rectifier
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!