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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
The 37-year-old was fatally shot in Los Angeles in May after confronting three people who were trying to steal his car's catalytic converter, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
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Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2024
For the most part, the catalytic converters end up getting sold to recycling companies that strip out the materials to make new catalytic converters.
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Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024
Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, which some attributed to an increase in economic distress.
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Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024
The crimes included catalytic converter thefts, wheel thefts, ATV thefts and commercial burglaries, according to police.
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Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalytic converter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1955, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of catalytic converter was
in 1955
Dictionary Entries Near catalytic converter
Cite this Entry
“Catalytic converter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic%20converter. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
catalytic converter
noun
: a device containing a catalyst for changing automobile exhaust into mostly harmless products
More from Merriam-Webster on catalytic converter
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catalytic converter
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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