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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
Porsche For this car, Porsche has also worked on reducing its emissions, fitting four catalytic converters to the exhaust, plus a pair of particulate filters, which together help cut NOx emissions on the US test cycle by 44 percent.
—Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
And because the innovative technologies developed here—like the catalytic converter and electronic fuel injection systems—became universally adopted, the regulations ultimately cleaned up emissions and saved lives around the world.
—Margo T. Oge, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Walking to his car with a co-worker after a bartending shift, he was shot after confronting three robbers attempting to steal the car’s catalytic converter.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
Its parts have been wearing down, its oil has been running low, its ignition timing has drifted, its catalytic converters have clogged.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2025
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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 5 Feb. 2025.
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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