Found 2 items, similar to Saponification.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: saponification saponification n : a chemical reaction in which an ester is heated with an alkali (especially the alkaline hydrolysis of a fat or oil to make soap)
English → English (gcide) Definition: Saponification Saponification \Sa*pon`i*fi*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F. saponification. See Saponify.] The act, process, or result, of soap making; conversion into soap; specifically (Chem.), the decomposition of fats and other ethereal salts by alkalies; as, the saponification of ethyl acetate. [1913 Webster]