[with obj.](Chemistry)turn (fat or oil) into soap by reaction with an alkali (化)使(脂肪,油)皂化 [as adj. saponified]saponified vegetable oils. 皂化植物油。 ■convert (any ester) into an alcohol and a metal salt by alkaline hydrolysis 通过碱性水解将(酯)转化为醇和金属盐
派生 saponifiable adjective saponification noun 语源
early 19th cent.: from French saponifier, from Latin sapo, sapon- 'soap'