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

Derived Forms

• ˌmerceriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mercer·i·zation noun
• mercer·izer noun
• un·mercer·ized 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