Phil Eisermann wrote...

>I've wondered about that too. My theory is that it is meant to
>mean "current rectifier"

No, it's "crystal rectifier"; just an ancient term for diode. See

http://www.hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/crystal+rectifier

and

http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14179/css/14179_27.htm

AFAIK the term originated with the advent of germanium
point-contact diodes.

Dave D.

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