saponifyv.
/səˈpɒnɪfʌɪ/ 1. transitive. To convert (a fat or an oil) into soap by combination with an alkali.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > subject to chemical reactions or processes [verb (transitive)] > subject to named chemical reaction or process > subject to saponification
saponify1821
1821 A. Ure Dict. Chem. at Fat Each of the constituents of natural fat was then saponified by the addition of potash.
1854 R. D. Thomson Cycl. Chem. 441/1 Ricinoleic Acid..Sherry-coloured syrupy acid.., obtained by saponifying castor oil.
1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 192/2 They [articles to be gilded] are, therefore, first boiled in caustic alkali in order to saponify and render soluble all traces of grease.
1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. III. 132 The fat must be emulsified or saponified before it can be absorbed.
2. intransitive. To become converted into soap.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > undergo chemical reactions or processes [verb (intransitive)] > undergo chemical reactions or processes (named) > undergo saponification
saponify1823
1823 A. Ure Dict. Chem. (ed. 2) 705/2 Those [oils or fats] which saponify best,..are, 1. Oil of olives..2. Animal oils [etc.].
1884 W. S. B. McLaren Spinning Woollen & Worsted (ed. 2) 46 The best oils are those which..saponify with the greatest facility with carbonate of soda.
1900 Lancet 29 Sept. 950/1 Kelpion..is a greasy, dark-olive-coloured substance which refuses to saponify with strong soda solution.
Derivatives
saˈponified adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > [adjective] > of or relating to named chemical reactions or processes > of or relating to saponification > having been converted into soap
saponified1821
1821 A. Ure Dict. Chem. sig. 2E/2, at Fat The saponified fat of the sheep.
1856 Orr's Circle Sci., Pract. Chem. 311 Finely divided and saponified fats.
saˈponifying adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > [adjective] > of or relating to named chemical reactions or processes > of or relating to saponification
saponifying1880
1880 W. C. Roberts Introd. Metall. 9 The saponifying powers of litharge.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VI. 259 The saponifying ferment—lipase—which Hanriot has discovered in blood-serum is probably one of the agents concerned in disposing of the fat.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1909; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
v.1821