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saponify

 - 4 dictionary results

sa⋅pon⋅i⋅fy

  [suh-pon-uh-fahy] verb, -fied, -fy⋅ing. Chemistry
Use saponify in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
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)
3. to become converted into soap.
Origin:
1815–25; < L sāpōn- (s. of sāpō) soap + -ify

Related forms:
sa⋅pon⋅i⋅fi⋅a⋅ble, adjective
sa⋅pon⋅i⋅fi⋅ca⋅tion, noun
sa⋅pon⋅i⋅fi⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To saponify
sa·pon·i·fy   (sə-pŏn'ə-fī')   
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.

[French saponifier : Latin sāpō, sāpōn-, hair dye; see saponin + French -fier; see -fy.]
sa·pon'i·fi'a·ble adj., sa·pon'i·fi'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sa·pon·i·fy
Pronunciation: s&-'pän-&-"fI
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: -fied; -fy·ing
transitive senses
: to convert (as a fat or fatty acid) into soap : subject to saponification saponify intransitive senses
: to undergosaponification
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

saponify sa·pon·i·fy (sə-pŏn'ə-fī')
v. sa·pon·i·fied, sa·pon·i·fy·ing, sa·pon·i·fies
To undergo saponification.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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