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

That includes one of the factory mufflers and the catalytic converter and associated emissions-control sensors, making this an easy install that doesn’t raise any legal questions. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 7 Nov. 2026

PGMs, which are mainly used in vehicle catalytic converters and in defense equipment, are designated as critical minerals by the US for their economic importance. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Paul Melanson, a POST member and chief of police in Farmington, said an epidemic years ago of thieves stealing cars and catalytic converters from suburban driveways fueled demands that police quickly embrace surveillance technology. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for catalytic converter

• diverter
• divertor
• inverter
• reverter

Kids Definition

catalytic converter

noun

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