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

Europium is crucial for television screens, cerium is used for polishing glass and refining oil, lanthanum makes a car's catalytic converters operate -- the list of uses in today's economy is virtually endless.

From Barron's

Through the first half of 2024, 2,113 catalytic converters were stolen in Los Angeles, according to data the Los Angeles Police Department released last year.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2023, the Los Angeles City Council voted to make it illegal to possess an unattached catalytic converter without proof of ownership.

From Los Angeles Times

Carvalho said he may need to deploy some officers around the clock to sensitive areas, including bus yards, to protect such assets as the catalytic converters on buses.

From Los Angeles Times

Police launched an extensive search for the suspects, ultimately focusing on gang members tied to catalytic converter thefts in the region.

From Los Angeles Times