saponify

[ suh-pon-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, sa·pon·i·fied, sa·pon·i·fy·ing.

1. to convert (a fat) into soap by treating with an alkali.
2. to decompose (any ester), forming the corresponding alcohol and acid or salt.

verb (used without object)

, sa·pon·i·fied, sa·pon·i·fy·ing.

1. to become converted into soap.

saponify

/ səˈpɒnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a fat is converted into a soap by treatment with alkali
2. 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

Derived Forms

• saˈponiˌfiable, adjective
• saˈponiˌfier, noun
• saˌponifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• sa·poni·fia·ble adjective
• sa·poni·fi·cation noun
• sa·poni·fier noun
• nonsa·poni·fia·ble adjective
• nonsa·poni·fi·cation noun
• unsa·poni·fia·ble adjective
• unsa·poni·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saponify¹

1815–25; < Latin sāpōn- (stem of sāpō ) soap + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of saponify¹

C19: from French saponifier, from Latin sāpō soap

Example Sentences

It wasn't until years later, when the victim's skull was examined, that researchers discovered the brain remains were vitrified, rather than saponified.

From Fox News

Pine-tar soap handmade in small batches from saponified coconut, olive, palm and almond oils with pure essential oils added for aroma.

From New York Times

It is saponified by alkalies, with reproduction of soluble gum.

From Project Gutenberg

To carry out the process the previously heated oil or fat to be saponified is run into a lead lined tank.

From Project Gutenberg

Chlorophyll b is dark green, is somewhat less soluble than the other form, and when saponified by potash gives a transient brilliant red.

From Project Gutenberg