catalytic converter
3
3.5
- noun
- /ˌkætəˈlɪtɪk kənˈvɜrtər/
- Specialized
:
catalizador
- Regular maintenance ensures that the catalytic converter functions properly and minimizes emissions.
- mechanism of the catalytic converter
- attachment of the catalytic converter
- catalytic converters reduce
Examples
-
Some of these pollutants are largely removed by catalytic converters, while others, such as carbon dioxide and particulates, are not.
Academic text (2000) -
It took a law to get catalytic converters to control the pollution.
-
The car needs a new catalytic converter, and foreign parts are expensive.
-
The effectiveness of catalytic converters is limited, of course, as U.S. residents know only too well.
Academic text (1990) -
In California, the catalytic converter is welded to the engine.
Academic text (1994) -
Catalytic converters are the best available technology for emission abatement, and they require unleaded gasoline.
Academic text (1990) -
Since 1989, virtually all of the city's 3,600 buses have been replaced or fitted with catalytic converters.
Academic text (1991) -
Since 1975, catalytic converters have effectively reduced the amount of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in automobile exhaust.
Academic text (2001) -
The catalytic converter in my car reduces harmful emissions before they leave the exhaust system.
-
Many older vehicles do not have catalytic converters, resulting in higher levels of pollution.
How Complex
- Specialized
33
4.1
- Specialized
3
3.5
- US
20
4.4
- Specialized
4
3.2
17
3.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'catalytic' (relating to a catalyst or catalysis) modifies 'converter' (a device that transforms), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a device that uses a catalyst to convert substances. Although the term is technical, the compound follows a regular noun-modifier pattern found across languages, making the overall sense transparent to a B1 learner familiar with the constituents.
Etymology
Catalytic converter gets its name from what it does: a catalyst is like a 'helper' metal that speeds up a chemical change without being used up, and a converter is something that 'changes' one thing into another. So the name describes a small box on a car's exhaust that helps turn harmful gases into less harmful ones.