catalytic converter

noun

an antipollution device in an automotive exhaust system that contains a catalyst for chemically converting some pollutants in the exhaust gases, as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen, into harmless compounds.

catalytic converter

noun

a device using three-way catalysts to reduce the obnoxious and poisonous components of the products of combustion (mainly oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons) from the exhausts of motor vehicles Sometimes shortened tocatcon

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Word History and Origins

Origin of catalytic converter¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a man who was fatally shot while trying to stop a catalytic converter theft in Inglewood, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Inglewood police said Saturday they are searching for two suspects in the shooting death of a man who intervened in an attempted catalytic converter theft last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Carvalho said he may need to deploy some officers around the clock to sensitive areas, including bus yards, to protect such assets as the catalytic converters on buses.

From Los Angeles Times

Police launched an extensive search for the suspects, ultimately focusing on gang members tied to catalytic converter thefts in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s fresh out of prison, and trying going straight with a factory job manufacturing catalytic converters at Pluton Metals.

From Los Angeles Times

catalytic catalytic cracker

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