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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
The Chula Vista Police Department helped scores of drivers on Saturday obstruct thefts of their vehicles’ catalytic converter.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2024
Until 1990, the F40 was built without a catalytic converter, at which point the U.S. required the inclusion of the device for emissions purposes.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
An investigation revealed the SUV had been reported stolen, police said, adding that a search of the vehicle also turned up evidence consistent with catalytic converter thefts.
—Jason Green, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024
Vehicle tampering, grand theft: At 3 a.m., someone tampered with a vehicle parked in the 19000 block of De Havilland Drive and stole a catalytic converter for a loss estimated at $3,300.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2024
The truck was stripped and was missing the ignition and catalytic converter.
—Sydney Page, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
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
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 28 May. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catalytic converter
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