mercerize

especially British, mer·cer·ise

[mur-suh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

mercerized, mercerizing 

1. to treat (cotton yarns or fabric) with caustic alkali under tension, in order to increase strength, luster, and affinity for dye.

mercerize

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• mercerization noun
• mercerizer noun
• unmercerized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercerize¹

1855–60; named after John Mercer (1791–1866), English calico printer, the patentee (1850) of the process; -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercerize¹

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

Example Sentences

Sock Candy’s line of cotton socks offers bold prints for the maximalist who wants to make a statement while mercerized cotton keeps things super soft and cozy.

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“Gradient Lounge” is a generously sized chaise with voluptuous curves 3-D-printed from polyamide nickel and copper, with matching upholstery, 3-D-knit of silk, mercerized cotton and Merino wool.

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It’s made from mercerized cotton and feels almost like cashmere.

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For the manufacture of fine goods including sateens India linens and mercerized goods as well as for mixing with silk it has been found very valuable.

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Mercerized cloths are of many kinds, as the mercerizing process can be applied to almost anything.

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