mercerize

verb

mer·​cer·​ize ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz 

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 

ˌmər-sə-

noun

Word History

Etymology

John Mercer †1866 English calico printer

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mercerize

verb

mer·​cer·​ize ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz 

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 

noun