verb trans
to convert (e.g. fat, oil, etc) into soap by decomposition with an alkali
to break down (an ester) into an acid and alcohol by hydrolysis
said of a fat, ester, etc: to undergo this kind of conversion or breakdown
saponifiable adj
saponification /-fiʹkaysh(ə)n/ noun
[French saponifier, from Latin sapon-, sapo: see saponaceous]