Litmus

/ˈlɪt.məs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A water-soluble mixture of different dyes extracted from lichens, used to test acidity or alkalinity.

The scientist used litmus paper to determine the pH of the solution.

A test of the effects of a variable, especially as a decisive factor.

The survey served as a litmus test for public opinion on the new policy.

Any factor that provides a simple indication of the overall quality or nature of a situation.

The election results are seen as a litmus test for the party's future direction.

From Middle English litmus, from Old Norse liti + moss (moss).

litmus test

A decisive test indicating the presence, quality, or authenticity of something.

litmus paper

Paper treated with litmus to test acids or bases.

the litmus test of success

A critical measure of the effectiveness or viability of something.

A scale used to specify how acidic or basic a water-based solution is.

alkaline

Having a pH greater than 7; basic.

acidic

Having a pH of less than 7.

A test used casually to determine someone's loyalty or stance on an issue.

The new policy is a litmus test for how committed they are to change.

A metaphor for something that reveals important information about someone's character.

His reaction to the news was a litmus for his integrity.