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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Not long ago, Chicago drivers were scrambling to protect their catalytic converters. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 Schlotterbeck said forest fire ignition sources often are the hot catalytic converter on a car or SUV running off a road, or a cigarette tossed out of a car window. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 9 June 2026 For nearly half a century, state and local air regulators have made rules designed to alleviate this pollution, enacting the nation’s first tailpipe emission standards in 1966 and requiring catalytic converters in 1975. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 That includes advancing public safety efforts by co-authoring policies to address catalytic converter theft, supporting stronger enforcement tools for chronic problem properties, and taking action to prevent the overconcentration of liquor stores in high-risk areas. Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Catalytic converter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic%20converter. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

catalytic converter

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

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