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. [ 1913 Webster ]