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.
<-- "ethereal salt" = ester -->
© Webster 1913.