catalytic converter

noun

Definition of catalytic converter

: 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

When a catalytic converter breaks, the combustion can send pieces flying from the car, and those super-heated pieces of ceramic and metal can easily ignite roadside vegetation. — Gary Richards, The Mercury News, "Fire danger is high from cars near highways: Roadshow," 4 July 2019 The price of palladium, a critical component of the catalytic converters used in gasoline-powered cars, has surged 30% so far this year to a record $1,551.90 a troy ounce, extending a rally that started in August to a 67% gain. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Think Stocks Are Hot? This Car Metal Keeps Hitting New Records," 19 Mar. 2019 Documents showed that high exhaust gas temperatures can damage the catalytic converters, which control pollution. — Tom Krisher, The Seattle Times, "Hyundai finds new engine problem, prompting another recall," 30 Mar. 2019 The muffler can be damaged or ripped out with the catalytic converter. — David Hodari, WSJ, "Thieves Mine Catalytic Converters for Metal More Valuable Than Gold," 10 Feb. 2019 Sulfur: The pungent aroma of rotten eggs indicates an issue with the battery or catalytic converter. — Alex Leanse, Popular Mechanics, "How to Diagnose Car Problems If You Don't Know Much About Cars," 23 Dec. 2016 Palladium is used for gasoline-engine cars, while platinum is used more heavily in catalytic converters that go in diesel cars. — WSJ, "Palladium Rally Leads Sudden Rebound in Metals," 24 Sep. 2018 Someone stole the catalytic converter from a car parked in the 200 block of South Maple Avenue between 4:30 p.m. May 31 and 8:05 a.m. June 4. — Steve Schering, chicagotribune.com, "Police reports: Driver speeds away while car is being booted in Oak Park," 8 June 2018 Also, a catalytic converter was removed from a vehicle in the 2400 block of Pebble Valley Road prior to 3:22 p.m. Feb. 2. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Woman undresses while walking down Waukesha streets, saying she was hot ... on Jan. 27.," 7 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'catalytic converter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.