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

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

Five people were arrested Thursday after local and state law enforcement officials discovered about 2,400 catalytic converters. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The extra money was supposed to help Texas law enforcement crack down on catalytic converter theft. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

The catalytic converter was stolen from a beige 2005 Toyota Camry. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 1 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