saponify

sa·pon·i·fy

verb \sə-ˈpä-nə-ˌfī\

sa·pon·i·fiedsa·pon·i·fy·ing

Definition of SAPONIFY

transitive verb

: to convert (as fat) into soap; specifically : to hydrolyze (a fat) with alkali to form a soap and glycerol

intransitive verb

: to undergo saponifying

— sa·pon·i·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective

— sa·pon·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌpä-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

— sa·pon·i·fi·er \-ˈpä-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

Origin of SAPONIFY

French saponifier, from Latin sapon-, sapo

First Known Use: 1821

Rhymes with SAPONIFY

acetify, acidify, ammonify, aniline dye, a priori, beatify, bourgeoisify, commodify, complexify, decalcify, decertify, declassify, demystify, denazify, desanctify, desertify, detoxify, Dioscuri, disqualify, dissatisfy, diversify, electric eye, electrify, emulsify, esterify, exemplify, facetiae, Gorno-Altay, hang out to dry, Helvetii, humidify, identify, indemnify, intensify, money supply, objectify, personify, preoccupy, reliquiae, revivify, rigidify, sacrifice fly, see eye to eye, solemnify, solidify, syllabify, transmogrify, turn a blind eye, undersupply, vox populi, water supply

sa·pon·i·fy

verb \sə-ˈpän-ə-ˌfī\   (Medical Dictionary)

sa·pon·i·fied; sa·pon·i·fy·ing

Medical Definition of SAPONIFY

transitive verb

: to convert (as a fat or fatty acid) into soap : subject to saponification

intransitive verb

: to undergo saponification