DictionaryrectifyPurification by distillation
verb

rectify

To purify a liquid by repeated distillation.

The distiller rectifies the alcohol through several rounds of distillation.

Etymology

The older verb means to correct or put right. In distillation, it describes improving a liquid's purity through repeated processing.

More examples

  • We rectify the recovered solvent before using it again.
  • The plant rectifies crude alcohol in a distillation column.
  • Repeatedly distilling the mixture produces rectified alcohol.

Forms

rectify · rectifies · rectified · rectifying

rectification noun — The purification of liquid by repeated distillation.

Similar words

distill
Separates liquid components by vaporizing and condensing, without requiring repetition.
purify
Removes impurities by any method, not necessarily distillation.