1) Mercerise 2) Process 3) Treat 1) Mercerise 
• (v. t.) 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·ize transitive verb [ imperfect & past participle -ized ; present participle & verbal noun -izing .] [ From (John) Mercer (1791-1866), an English calico printer who introduced the process + -ize .] To treat (cotton ...
[v] - treat to strengthen and improve the luster
The process developed in 1844 by John Mercer to give a shiny, smooth finish to cotton fabric. First, the fabric is singed, then passed through a solution of caustic soda and finally rinsed. The process makes the fibers of the fabric swell, giving them increased strength and an increased ability to hold dye.