Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Saponify
Sa-pon′i-fy
,Verb.
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 acetateWebster 1828 Edition
Saponify
SAPON'IFY
,Verb.
T.
To convert into soap by combination with an alkali.