D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Saponify

· Sa·pon·i·fy · IPA
01 v. t. To convert into soap, as tallow or any fat; hence (Chem.), to subject to any similar process, as that which ethereal salts undergo in decom…
imp. & p. p. Saponified; p. pr. & vb. n. Saponifying
  1. 1.
    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.(Chem.)