catalytic converter

noun

: an automobile exhaust-system component containing a catalyst that causes conversion of harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and uncombusted hydrocarbons) into mostly harmless products (such as water and carbon dioxide)

Examples of catalytic converter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Diesel particulate filters therefore are installed in the exhaust system, generally at the exit of the catalytic converter. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Feb. 2024 Two catalytic converters were stolen from a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 His latest paper, accepted but not yet published, studies thefts of catalytic converters in California. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2024 Motor vehicle theft includes stealing entire cars or specific parts such as tires, rims or catalytic converters. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 It was later discovered that the men had removed the catalytic converter to a 2015 Toyota Prius. Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2024 As a result, the catalytic converter was developed by 1975. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2024 The victim told authorities a male suspect fired several shots during an interrupted catalytic converter theft before leaving the scene. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2024 But then the car was targeted by catalytic converter thieves. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalytic converter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalytic converter was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near catalytic converter

Cite this Entry

“Catalytic converter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic%20converter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

catalytic converter

noun
: a device containing a catalyst for changing automobile exhaust into mostly harmless products

More from Merriam-Webster on catalytic converter

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