catalytic cracker

noun

1. 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).

noun

1. 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 processOften shortened to: cat cracker