Meaning & Definition of word "Litmus"
Litmus
/ˈlɪt.məs/
noun:
- 1. A water-soluble mixture of different dyes extracted from lichens, used to test acidity or alkalinity.
- Example: The scientist used litmus paper to determine the pH of the solution.
- 2. A test of the effects of a variable, especially as a decisive factor.
- Example: The survey served as a litmus test for public opinion on the new policy.
- 3. Any factor that provides a simple indication of the overall quality or nature of a situation.
- Example: The election results are seen as a litmus test for the party's future direction.
Etymology
●From Middle English litmus, from Old Norse liti + moss (moss).
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
pH:
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.
Slang Meanings of litmus
Meaning: A test used casually to determine someone's loyalty or stance on an issue.
● Example Sentence: The new policy is a litmus test for how committed they are to change.
Meaning: A metaphor for something that reveals important information about someone's character.
● Example Sentence: His reaction to the news was a litmus for his integrity.