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
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Assembly Bill 1740 prohibited recyclers from purchasing catalytic converters from anyone except a licensed commercial enterprise or lawful owner. Susan Shelley, Orange County Register, 30 May 2024 Vehicle tampering, grand theft: Between 5 p.m. on Nov. 3 and 11 a.m. on Nov. 4, someone tampered with a vehicle parked in the 12000 block of Ingrid Court and stole a catalytic converter for a total loss valued at approximately $1,900. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024 The three crime rings together have stolen at least 365 cars worth more than $8.3 million total and between $53,000 and $78,000 worth of catalytic converters, according to the release. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2024 Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for catalytic converter 

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 22 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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