Definition - 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 television. A rectifier is an electrical device that converts AC to DC. AC regularly reverses direction, while DC flows in one direction only. ...