mercer Definition
- 1a dealer in textile fabrics, especially silks, velvets, and other fine materials
- 2a person who deals in or makes mercerized cotton
Using mercer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mercer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mercer sold the finest silk in the city.
Example
She worked as a mercer for a high-end fashion brand.
Example
The mercerized cotton produced by the company is of the highest quality.
mercer Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mercer
- clothier
- draper
- haberdasher
- textile merchant
Phrases with mercer
mercer's disease
a lung disease caused by inhaling wool dust
Example
The workers in the textile factory were at risk of developing mercer's disease.
to treat cotton or other cellulosic fiber with caustic soda and tension to increase its strength, luster, and affinity for dye
Example
The cotton fabric was mercerized to give it a shiny appearance.
mercer's shop
a shop where textiles are sold
Example
The mercer's shop was filled with bolts of silk and velvet.
Origins of mercer
from Old French 'mercier', meaning 'merchant'
Summary: mercer in Brief
A 'mercer' [ˈməːsə] is a dealer in textile fabrics, particularly fine materials like silk and velvet. It can also refer to a person who deals in or makes mercerized cotton. The term extends to phrases like 'mercer's disease,' a lung disease caused by inhaling wool dust, and 'mercerize,' which means to treat cotton or other fibers with caustic soda and tension to increase its strength and luster.
