■ noun
1》 a substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or another strong alkali, and typically perfumed.
2》 informal a ~ opera.
■ verb wash with ~.
Derivatives
~ily adverb
~iness noun
~less adjective
~y adjective ( ~ier , ~iest ).
Origin
OE sāpe , of W. Gmc origin.