catalytic cracking
noun
the reduction of the molecular weight of hydrocarbons by a catalyst, accomplished in a petroleum refinery by a type of chemical reactor (catalytic cracker).
Compare cracker(def 10), cracking(def 1).
Words nearby catalytic cracking
catalysis,
catalyst,
catalytic,
catalytic converter,
catalytic cracker,
catalytic cracking,
catalyze,
catamaran,
catamarca,
catamenia,
catamite
British Dictionary definitions for catalytic cracker
catalytic cracker
noun
a unit in an oil refinery in which mineral oils with high boiling points are converted to fuels with lower boiling points by a catalytic process
Often shortened to: cat cracker