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Mercerized: meaning, definitions and examples

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mercerized

 

[ ˈmɜːrsərˌaɪzd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

textile processing

Mercerized refers to a process applied to cotton fibers to improve their dye affinity, strength, and luster. This process was developed by John Mercer in the 19th century. During mercerization, the cotton is treated with a caustic soda solution, which alters the fiber's structure. As a result, mercerized cotton fabric exhibits a silky finish and enhanced durability compared to unmercerized cotton. It is commonly used in high-quality garments and textiles.

Synonyms

processed, treated

Examples of usage

  • The mercerized cotton shirts have a luxurious feel.
  • She prefers using mercerized yarn for her knitting projects.
  • Mercerized fabrics are often more vibrant in color.
  • The dress was made from a blend of mercerized and regular cotton.

Translations

Translations of the word "mercerized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mercerizado

🇮🇳 मेरसेराइज्ड

🇩🇪 mercerisiert

🇮🇩 mercerized

🇺🇦 мерсеризований

🇵🇱 merceryzowany

🇯🇵 マーサライズド

🇫🇷 mercérisé

🇪🇸 mercerizado

🇹🇷 mercerize edilmiş

🇰🇷 머서라이즈드

🇸🇦 مرسريز

🇨🇿 mercerizovaný

🇸🇰 mercerizovaný

🇨🇳 水洗处理的

🇸🇮 merceriziran

🇮🇸 mercerized

🇰🇿 мерсерленген

🇬🇪 მერსერიზებული

🇦🇿 mercerləşdirilmiş

🇲🇽 mercerizado

Word origin

The term 'mercerized' originates from the name of John Mercer, an English pioneer who discovered the mercerization process in the mid-19th century. Initially developed to enhance the cotton fibers' properties, Mercer’s technique revolutionized how cotton was perceived in the textile industry. Prior to mercerization, cotton fabrics were often seen as inferior when compared to silk and linen. However, mercerization gave cotton a strength and sheen that made it competitive with these more luxurious materials. The technique involves the application of caustic soda, which causes the cotton fibers to swell, altering their molecular structure and improving their characteristics. Over time, the term 'mercerized' has come to describe any cotton that has undergone this treatment, thus becoming a standard in high-quality textile production.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,850 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.