̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷_fə̇ˈkāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from saponifier to saponify, after such pairs as French identifier to identify : identification
1.
a. : the act, process, or result of soapmaking : conversion into soap : the hydrolysis of a fat by alkali with the formation of salts of the fatty acids together with glycerol
b. : the hydrolysis of a fat or wax
2.
a. : the hydrolysis especially by alkali of an ester into the corresponding alcohol and acid or salt of the acid
b. : the hydrolysis of an organic compound especially by alkali