saponifying

1 definition found

saponifying - 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]