saponify

(sə-pŏn'ə-fī')

v., -fied, -fy·ing, -fies.

v.tr.

1. To convert (an ester) by saponification.
2. To convert (a fat or oil) into soap.

v.intr.
To undergo saponification.

[French saponifier : Latin sāpō, sāpōn-, hair dye; see saponin + French -fier; see -fy.]

saponifiable sa·pon'i·fi'a·ble adj.
saponifier sa·pon'i·fi'er n.

(sə-pŏn'ə-fī')
v., -fied, -fy·ing, -fies.

To undergo saponification.

Capable of being made into soap.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The verb has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: chemistry: become converted into soap by being hydrolized into an acid and alcohol as a result of being treated with an alkali; of oil or fat

Meaning #2: chemistry: convert into soap by hydrolizing an ester into an acid and alcohol as a result of treating it with an alkali; of oil or fat

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