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

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

Police tried to pull fingerprints from Wactor’s car and link the crime to any nearby catalytic converter thefts.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2024

They also are checking to see whether there are any connections to other nearby catalytic converter thefts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, first became aware of the scourge of catalytic converter thefts when four vans used to drive older congregants to her former church in Edmonds were hit in 2020.

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