mercerize

American  

[mur-suh-rahyz] / ˈmɜr səˌraɪz /

especially British, mercerise

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.

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mercerize British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• mercerization noun
• mercerizer noun
• unmercerized adjective

Etymology

Origin of mercerize

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

“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.

From Washington Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg