\Sa*pon"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Saponified}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Saponifying}.] [L. sapo, -onis, soap + -fy: cf. F.
saponifier.]
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.