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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.


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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌmerceriˈzation, noun
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Other Words From

  • mercer·i·zation noun
  • mercer·izer noun
  • un·mercer·ized adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of mercerize1

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

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