saponification number

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to saponify one gram of a given ester, especially a glyceride.

Word History and Origins

Origin of saponification number¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; saponi(fy) + -fication

Example Sentences

These oils vary in their saponification number from 10 to 60, while their unsaponifiable value averages about 80.

From Project Gutenberg

The saponification number and acid number are both very low, but a fatty oil is present.

From Project Gutenberg