sa·pon·i·fy (s -p n -f  )v. sa·pon·i·fied, sa·pon·i·fy·ing, sa·pon·i·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 s  p , spn-, hair dye; see saponin + French -fier; see -fy.]sa·pon i·fia·ble adj.sa·pon i·fier n. |
saponify [səˈpɒnɪˌfaɪ]
vb -fies, -fying, -fied Chem
1. (Chemistry) to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a fat is converted into a soap by treatment with alkali
2. (Chemistry) to undergo or cause to undergo a reaction in which an ester is hydrolysed to an acid and an alcohol as a result of treatment with an alkali
[from French saponifier, from Latin sāpō soap]
saponifiable adj
saponifier n
saponification n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Verb | 1. | saponify - become converted into soap by being hydrolized into an acid and alcohol as a result of being treated with an alkali; "the oil saponified" chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions change - undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature; "She changed completely as she grew older"; "The weather changed last night" saponify - convert into soap by hydrolizing an ester into an acid and alcohol as a result of treating it with an alkali; "saponify oils and fats" |
| 2. | saponify - convert into soap by hydrolizing an ester into an acid and alcohol as a result of treating it with an alkali; "saponify oils and fats" chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue" saponify - become converted into soap by being hydrolized into an acid and alcohol as a result of being treated with an alkali; "the oil saponified" |
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