Main Entry: sa·pon·i·fi·ca·tion

Pronunciation: \sə-ˌpän-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\

Function: noun

1 : the hydrolysis of a fat by an alkali with the formation of a soap and glycerol
2 : the hydrolysis especially by an alkali of an ester into the corresponding alcohol and acid ; broadly : hydrolysis