saponify (redirected from saponifies)

sa·pon·i·fy  (s-pn-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.

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[French saponifier : Latin sp, spn-, hair dye; see saponin + French -fier; see -fy.]

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sa·poni·fia·ble adj.

sa·poni·fier n.

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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

Thesaurus

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"