Definition from Techopedia

What Does Rectifier Mean?

A rectifier is an electrical device composed of one or more diodes that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). A diode is like a one-way valve that allows an electrical current to flow in only one direction. This process is called rectification.

A rectifier can take the shape of several different physical forms such as solid-state diodes, vacuum tube diodes, mercury arc valves, silicon-controlled rectifiers and various other silicon-based semiconductor switches.

Rectifiers are used in various devices, including:

• DC power supplies
• Radio signals or detectors
• A source of power instead of generating current
• High-voltage direct current power transmission systems
• Several household appliances use power rectifiers to create power, like notebooks or laptops, video game systems and televisions.