Mercerize

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Mercerize \Mer"cer*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {-ized}; p. pr. &
     vb. n. {-izing}.] [From (John) Mercer (1791-1866), an English
     calico printer who introduced the process + -ize.]
     To treat (cotton fiber or fabrics) with a solution of caustic
     alkali. Such treatment causes the fiber to shrink in length
     and become stronger and more receptive of dyes. If the yarn


     or cloth is kept under tension during the process, it assumes
     a silky luster. -- {Mer`cer*i*za"tion}, n.
     [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  mercerize
       v : treat to strengthen and improve the luster; "mercerize
           cotton" [syn: {mercerise}]