A rectifier is a device that transforms alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
A rectifier is similar to a one-way valve in that it only enables electrical current to travel in one direction.
Rectification is the process of converting alternating electricity to direct current.
Solid-state diodes, vacuum tube diodes, mercury-arc valves, silicon-controlled rectifiers, and other silicon-based semiconductor switches are all examples of rectifiers.