online medical dictionary | definition of rectify

1. To make or set right; to correct from a wrong, erroneous, or false state; to amend; as, to rectify errors, mistakes, or abuses; to rectify the will, the judgment, opinions; to rectify disorders. "I meant to rectify my conscience." (Shak) "This was an error of opinion which a conflicting opinion would have rectified." (Burke)

2. <chemistry> To refine or purify by repeated distillation or sublimation, by which the fine parts of a substance are separated from the grosser; as, to rectify spirit of wine.

3. To produce (as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky, rum, etc), flavouring substances, etc, being added. To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.

Synonyms: To amend, emend, correct, better, mend, reform, redress, adjust, regulate, improve. See Amend.

Origin: F. Rectifier, LL. Rectificare; L. Rectus right + -ficare (in comp) to make. See Right, and -fy.

(01 Mar 1998)