catalytic converter

American  

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.

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catalytic converter British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: catcon.  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

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Etymology

Origin of catalytic converter

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The Police Department launched its investigation last July after noticing a “significant rise” in catalytic converter thefts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In 2022, there were approximately 8,000 reported catalytic converter thefts across Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

The catalytic converter, an exhaust emission control device typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle, contains precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2024

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported in May that insurance claims for catalytic converter thefts across the country increased from 16,660 claims in 2020 to 64,701 in 2022.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024

It was boxy and angular, and it poured so much smoke out of its exhaust pipe, I was certain the Forges of some Dark Lord were firing deep within its catalytic converter.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram