catalytic converter

noun

1. an antipollution device in an automotive exhaust system that contains a catalyst for chemically converting some pollutants in the exhaust gases, as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen, into harmless compounds.

catalytic converter

noun

1. a device using three-way catalysts to reduce the obnoxious and poisonous components of the products of combustion (mainly oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons) from the exhausts of motor vehicles Sometimes shortened tocatcon

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalytic converter¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

These vehicles have higher clearance, which makes their catalytic converters easier to access.

From Washington Post

The owner of RS Automotive, Depeswar Doley, had witnessed several of his regular customers fall victim to catalytic converter thefts.

From Washington Post

However, it can cost thousands to replace a stolen catalytic converter.

From Washington Post

To combat the problem in Takoma Park, police have teamed up with a local mechanic who will paint tag numbers on catalytic converters that police will log in a database that can track the owners if the converters are stolen.

From Washington Post

In Ohio, lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the sale of catalytic converters without proof of ownership.

From Washington Post