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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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