mercerize

[ mur-suh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object),mer·cer·ized, mer·cer·iz·ing.
  1. to treat (cotton yarns or fabric) with caustic alkali under tension, in order to increase strength, luster, and affinity for dye.

Origin of mercerize

1
1855–60; named after John Mercer (1791–1866), English calico printer, the patentee (1850) of the process; see -ize
  • Also especially British, mer·cer·ise .

Other words from mercerize

  • mer·cer·i·za·tion, noun
  • mer·cer·iz·er, noun
  • un·mer·cer·ized, adjective

Words Nearby mercerize

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British Dictionary definitions for mercerize

mercerize

mercerise

/ (ˈmɜːsəˌraɪz) /


verb
  1. (tr) to treat (cotton yarn) with an alkali to increase its strength and reception to dye and impart a lustrous silky appearance

Origin of mercerize

1
C19: named after John Mercer (1791–1866), English maker of textiles

Derived forms of mercerize

  • mercerization or mercerisation, noun

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