— mercerization , n. — mercerizer , n.
/merr"seuh ruyz'/ , v.t., mercerized, mercerizing .
to treat (cotton yarns or fabric) with caustic alkali under tension, in order to increase strength, luster, and affinity for dye.
Also, esp. Brit., mercerise .
[ 1855-60; named after John Mercer (1791-1866), English calico printer, the patentee (1850) of the process; see -IZE ]