First Known Use: 1821
Dictionary
saponify
verb sa·pon·i·fy \sə-ˈpä-nə-ˌfī\
sa·pon·i·fiedsa·pon·i·fy·ing
Definition of SAPONIFY
transitive verb
: to convert (as fat) into soap; specifically : to hydrolyze (a fat) with alkali to form a soap and glycerol
intransitive verb
: to undergo saponifying
— sa·pon·i·fi·able \-ˌfī-ə-bəl\ adjective
— sa·pon·i·fi·ca·tion \-ˌpä-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun
— sa·pon·i·fi·er \-ˈpä-nə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun
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Origin of SAPONIFY
French saponifier, from Latin sapon-, sapo
Rhymes with SAPONIFY
acetify, acidify, ammonify, aniline dye, a priori, beatify, bourgeoisify, commodify, complexify, decalcify, decertify, declassify, demystify, denazify, desanctify, desertify, detoxify, Dioscuri, disqualify, dissatisfy, diversify, electric eye, electrify, emulsify, esterify, exemplify, facetiae, Gorno-Altay, hang out to dry, Helvetii, humidify, identify, indemnify, intensify, money supply, objectify, personify, preoccupy, reliquiae, revivify, rigidify, sacrifice fly, see eye to eye, solemnify, solidify, syllabify, transmogrify, turn a blind eye, undersupply, vox populi, water supply
Medical Dictionary
saponify
verb sa·pon·i·fy \sə-ˈpän-ə-ˌfī\
sa·pon·i·fiedsa·pon·i·fy·ing
Medical Definition of SAPONIFY
transitive verb
: to convert (as a fat or fatty acid) into soap : subject to saponification
intransitive verb
: to undergo saponification
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