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.

Origin of catalytic converter

First recorded in 1960–65

Words nearby catalytic converter

British Dictionary definitions for catalytic converter

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 to: catcon