First Known Use: 1852
Dictionary
mercerize
verb mer·cer·ize \ˈmər-sə-ˌrīz\
mer·cer·izedmer·cer·iz·ing
Definition of MERCERIZE
transitive verb
: to give (as cotton yarn) luster, strength, and receptiveness to dyes by treatment under tension with caustic soda
— mer·cer·i·za·tion \ˌmərs-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌmər-sə-\ noun
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Origin of MERCERIZE
John Mercer †1866 English calico printer
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