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)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Rising catalytic converter thefts have left drivers with noisy cars and expensive repair bills. 
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Several other businesses in Rockland, and nearby in Abington, reported catalytic converter thefts on Sept. 1, Denholm said. Johanna Seltz, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 Aging Toyota Priuses are the target of catalytic converter thefts. Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2022 Brian Bower, and one officer who specializes in catalytic converter thefts. Gloria Rebecca Gomez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2022 Hunter was charged in connection to two catalytic converter thefts of vehicles on Buckland Hills Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road on March 25, according to police. Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2022 The quartet use his Toyota Tundra as a mobile office and have basically been living on the road since November — but for a brief hiatus in February when someone stole their catalytic converter. Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2022 All that’s in addition to nonwork financial stresses ranging from an air-conditioner breakdown or an unexpected hospitalization to someone stealing the catalytic converter off your car. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 27 Dec. 2021 Here’s what to know about catalytic converter thefts and how to prevent them. Ashley R. Williams, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 See More
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Several other businesses in Rockland, and nearby in Abington, reported catalytic converter thefts on Sept. 1, Denholm said. Johanna Seltz, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 Aging Toyota Priuses are the target of catalytic converter thefts. Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2022 Brian Bower, and one officer who specializes in catalytic converter thefts. Gloria Rebecca Gomez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2022 Hunter was charged in connection to two catalytic converter thefts of vehicles on Buckland Hills Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road on March 25, according to police. Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2022 The quartet use his Toyota Tundra as a mobile office and have basically been living on the road since November — but for a brief hiatus in February when someone stole their catalytic converter. Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2022 All that’s in addition to nonwork financial stresses ranging from an air-conditioner breakdown or an unexpected hospitalization to someone stealing the catalytic converter off your car. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 27 Dec. 2021 Here’s what to know about catalytic converter thefts and how to prevent them. Ashley R. Williams, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1955, in the meaning defined above