saponification
sa.pon.i.fi.ca.tion \s*-.pa:n-*-f*-'ka--sh*n\ n 1: the hydrolysis of a fat by alkali with the formation of a soap and glyce rol 2: the hydrolysis esp. by alkali of an ester into the corresponding alcohol and acid; broadly : HYDROLYSIS
Webster's English Dictionarysa.pon.i.fi.ca.tion \s*-.pa:n-*-f*-'ka--sh*n\ n 1: the hydrolysis of a fat by alkali with the formation of a soap and glyce rol 2: the hydrolysis esp. by alkali of an ester into the corresponding alcohol and acid; broadly : HYDROLYSIS