mer·cer·ize 
(mûrsə-rīz′)
(mûrsə-rīz′)tr.v. mer·cer·ized, mer·cer·iz·ing, mer·cer·iz·es
To treat (cotton thread) with sodium hydroxide so as to shrink the fiber and increase its luster and affinity for dye.
[After John Mercer (1791-1866), British calico printer.]