catalytic converter

American  

noun

catalytic converters plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• catalytic converters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of catalytic converter

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

catalytic converter

Baldwin Park police have busted a massive catalytic converter theft ring after a nine-month investigation, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026

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 ● Sep. 12, 2024

No one can sell a catalytic converter without a driver’s license or state-issued photo identification and payments must be made by check and sent to the seller’s address at least three days after the sale.

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