white sour

noun

1
: a treatment (as of cotton) with dilute hydrochloric or sulfuric acid to complete the bleaching process and cleanse the fabric
2
: the bath or solution used in the white sour

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white sour was in 1875

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near white sour

Cite this Entry

“White sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20sour. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!