commutate

com·mu·tate  (kmy-tt)

tr.v. com·mu·tat·ed, com·mu·tat·ing, com·mu·tates

To reverse the direction of (an alternating electric current) each half-cycle to produce a unidirectional current.

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[Back-formation from commutator.]

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commutate [ˈkɒmjʊˌteɪt]

vb (tr)

1. (Electronics) to reverse the direction of (an electric current)

2. (Electronics) to convert (an alternating current) into a direct current

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

commutate - reverse the direction of (an alternating electric current) each half cycle so as to produce a unidirectional current change by reversal, reverse, turn - change to the contrary; "The trend was reversed"; "the tides turned against him"; "public opinion turned when it was revealed that the president had an affair with a White House intern"