ALL meanings of saponification
sa·pon·i·fy
S s - verb with object saponification to convert (a fat) into soap by treating with an alkali. 1
- verb with object saponification to decompose (any ester), forming the corresponding alcohol and acid or salt. 1
- verb without object saponification to become converted into soap. 1
- noun saponification the conversion of an ester heated with an alkali into the corresponding alcohol and acid salt; specif., this process carried out with fats (glyceryl esters) to produce soap 0