mercerize

verb

mer·​cer·​ize ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz How to pronounce mercerize (audio)
mercerized; mercerizing

transitive verb

: to give (a material, such as cotton yarn) luster, strength, and receptiveness to dyes by treatment under tension with caustic soda
mercerization
ˌmərs-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce mercerize (audio)
ˌmər-sə-
noun

Word History

Etymology

John Mercer †1866 English calico printer

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mercerize was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near mercerize

mercerise

mercerize

mercerizer

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Mercerize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercerize. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

mercerize

verb
mer·​cer·​ize ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz How to pronounce mercerize (audio)
mercerized; mercerizing
: to treat cotton fiber or fabrics with a chemical so that the fibers are strengthened, take dyes better, and often acquire a soft shine
mercerization
ˌmərs-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce mercerize (audio)
noun
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