saponify

• POS: Verb (usu participle)
• HYPHEN: sa=pon=i=fy

CIDE DICTIONARY

saponify, v. t. [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]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

saponify, v. (-ies, -ied)
1 tr. turn (fat or oil) into soap by reaction with an alkali.
2 tr. convert (an ester) to an acid and alcohol.
3 intr. become saponified.

Derivative

saponifiable adj. saponification n.

Etymology

F saponifier (as SAPONACEOUS)