Rec″ti‐fy (–f?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Rectified (–f?d); p. pr. & vb. n.Rectifying (–f?′?ng).] [F. rectifier, LL. rectificare; L. rectus right + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Right, and -fy.] 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. (Chem.) 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. (Com.) To produce (as factitious gin or brandy) by redistilling low wines or ardent spirits (whisky, rum, etc.), flavoring substances, etc., being added.
To rectify a globe, to adjust it in order to prepare for the solution of a proposed problem.
Syn. — To amend; emend; correct; better; mend; reform; redress; adjust; regulate; improve. See Amend.