mercerize
[ mur-suh-rahyz ]
verb (used with object),mer·cer·ized, mer·cer·iz·ing.
to treat (cotton yarns or fabric) with caustic alkali under tension, in order to increase strength, luster, and affinity for dye.
Origin of mercerize
11855–60; 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for mercerize
mercerize
mercerise
/ (ˈmɜːsəˌraɪz) /
verb
(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
1C19: named after John Mercer (1791–1866), English maker of textiles
Derived forms of mercerize
- mercerization or mercerisation, noun
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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