Rectifiers are electronic devices that convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. There are several synonyms for rectifiers, including converters, inverters, and adapters. Converters and adapters usually refer to devices that change the physical shape or format of the power supply, while inverters change the direction of current flow. Other synonyms for rectifiers include power supplies, regulators, and transformers. Each of these terms describes a slightly different aspect of the process of transforming AC power into DC power. No matter which term is used, however, rectifiers play an important role in powering many of the electronic devices that we rely on every day.