Mercerise is a process used in the textile industry to strengthen and enhance the quality of fabrics. However, there are several synonyms for this term, which refer to similar processes with slightly different techniques. One of the most common terms is "singeing", which involves burning off any loose fibers on the surface of the fabric to create a smoother finish. Another option is "calendering", which involves pressing the fabric between rollers to create a smooth, shiny finish. Additionally, "gassing" is a process that uses heat to burn off any protruding fibers, while "sanforizing" uses a special machine to pre-shrink and stabilize the fabric before use. Each of these processes has its own benefits and uses in the textile industry, making it essential to understand the differences between them.