converter

noun

con·​vert·​er kən-ˈvər-tər 

: one that converts: such as

a

: the furnace used in the Bessemer process

b

or convertor

kən-ˈvər-tər 

: a device employing mechanical rotation for changing electrical energy from one form to another (as from direct current to alternating current or vice versa)

also : a radio device for converting one frequency to another

c

: a device for adapting a television or radio receiver to receive channels or frequencies for which it was not originally designed

a cable converter

FM converter

d

: a device that accepts data in one form and converts it to another

analog-digital converter

e

: catalytic converter

Examples of converter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The converters are composed of valuable metals, most commonly platinum, as well as palladium and rhodium. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

Currently, only five HVDC lines exist in the United States, with expensive converter stations creating a breakeven point at approximately 124 miles for overhead lines. —Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025

Additionally, while some animals are seen as less inefficient converters of crops to meat,’ the reality is sobering. —William Jones, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Electric vehicle owners, beware: Buying a cheap, unapproved converter to connect your EV to a Tesla DC fast charger — or connect your Tesla to the more common CCS charger — could damage your vehicle. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing converter

• catalytic converter
• torque converter

Rhymes for converter

• diverter
• divertor
• inverter
• reverter