John Mercer (Noun)
Meaning
British maker of printed calico cloth who invented mercerizing (1791-1866).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- John Mercer, the British maker of printed calico cloth, invented mercerizing in 1844.
- Mercerizing was invented by John Mercer in the mid-19th century to improve the weave and texture of cotton fabrics.
- The textile industry was revolutionized by inventions like John Mercer's mercerizing in the 19th century.
- In 1844 John Mercer patented his mercerizing process which gave the cotton fabric additional tensile strength.
- John Mercer's name became associated with the process that strengthened and shone calico cloth, hence the term 'mercerizing'.