Saponify
Pronunciation : Sa*pon"i*fy
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [L. sapo, -onis, soap + -fy: cf. F. saponifier.]
Definition : Defn: 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.
t. [imp. & p. p. Saponified; p. pr. & vb. n. Saponifying.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913