Dictionary
sa•pon•i•fy
Pronunciation: (su-pon'u-fī"), [key]
—v., -fied, -fy•ing.
Chem.
—
v.t.
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.
—
v.i.
to become converted into soap.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.