a soluble powder obtained from certain lichens. It turns red under acid conditions and blue under basic conditions and is used as an indicator
Word origin
C16: perhaps from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse litmosi, from litr dye + mosi moss
litmus in American English
(ˈlɪtməs)
noun
a purple coloring matter obtained from various lichens and used as an acid-base indicatorin chemical analysis: it turns blue in bases and red in acids
Word origin
ON litmose, lichen used in dyeing < litr, color (akin to Goth wlits, face < IE *wtu-, appearance < base *wel-, to see > L voltus, expression, Welsh gweled, to see) + mosi, moss
More idioms containing
litmus
a litmus test
Examples of 'litmus' in a sentence
litmus
Telling others about this condition has become a litmus test via which I detect good people.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
For this reason Britain should not make a trade deal a litmus test of Anglo-American relations.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
I have been unlucky with my prognosis, lucky in the number and beauty of human beings who've passed my litmus test.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
What is the litmus test for orthodoxy anyway?
Christianity Today (2000)
Surely the litmus test of a successful bingo night is a loyal grandmother.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Our club night is our litmus test.
The Sun (2012)
His litmus test for the rejuvenation prospects for a district was whether it had a distinctive sense of place.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
So what about education, always a litmus test?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
For me, the biggest litmus test of change is music and dancing.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But it's a good litmus test for whether people are really paying attention.
The Sun (2015)
It is regarded as a litmus test of his growing popularity in the city of 18 million people.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I have my own litmus test.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
A new Derby sponsor could be a litmus test for change?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That's why the coalition's approach to prisoner voting is a litmus test.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He must have known it would be the litmus test of how far the town has come, how genuine it is about reconstructing its image.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A litmus test of any catwalk trend is to see how much it is picked up by fashion folk during the month-long round of shows.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The path of the Saga share price will be a litmus test for the entire IPO industry.