What is the term for processing solid fat into a liquid form?

The correct term for processing solid fat into a liquid form is rendering. This process involves gently heating solid fats, such as pork fat or beef tallow, to separate the fat from the connective tissues and other impurities. Rendering not only liquefies the fat but also purifies it, making it usable for culinary purposes like cooking or as an ingredient in various food products.

Melting refers more broadly to the transition of any solid into a liquid state through heat, which can apply to various materials, not just fat. Frying involves cooking food in hot fat but does not specifically refer to the process of turning solid fat into liquid. Whipping is a method of incorporating air into mixtures, often seen in creams and egg whites, and is not related to the state change of fat.