saponify

2 definitions found

saponify - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Saponify \Sa*pon"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Saponified; p. pr.
     & vb. n. Saponifying.] [L. sapo, -onis, soap + -fy: cf. F.
     saponifier.]
     To convert into soap, as tallow or any fat; hence (Chem.), to
     subject to any similar process, as that which ethereal salts
     undergo in decomposition; as, to saponify ethyl acetate.
     [1913 Webster]

saponify - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  saponify
      v 1: become converted into soap by being hydrolized into an acid
           and alcohol as a result of being treated with an alkali;
           "the oil saponified"
      2: convert into soap by hydrolizing an ester into an acid and
         alcohol as a result of treating it with an alkali; "saponify
         oils and fats"