Definitions for "Saponify"
Keywords:  alkali, hydrolized, soap, ester, fat
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.
To convert (an ester) by saponification. aponification............ A reaction in which an ester is heated with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide, producing a free alcohol and an acid salt, especially alkaline hydrolysis of a fat or oil to make soap
become converted into soap by being hydrolized into an acid and alcohol as a result of being treated with an alkali; "the oil saponified"