mercerize

1 of 2

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

mercerization

2 of 2

noun

mer·​cer·​i·​za·​tion

variants also British mercerisation

ˌ⸗sərə̇ˈzāshən, 

-ˌrīˈz-

plural -s

: the act or process of mercerizing

Word History

Etymology

Verb

John Mercer †1866 English calico printer

First Known Use

Verb

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mercerize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

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