litmus
noun
lit·mus ˈlit-məs 
1
: a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator
2
: the critical factor in a litmus test
also : litmus test
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Unlike in the United States, wearing a mask or getting a vaccine never became ideological litmus tests. 
New York Times, 2 July 2022 Unlike in the United States, wearing a mask or getting a vaccine never became ideological litmus tests. Ben Dooley, BostonGlobe.com, 2 July 2022 For example, activists are pressuring major financial institutions to impose political litmus tests on charitable giving. Robert Netzly, WSJ, 25 May 2022 Such litmus tests politicize the Court, and its legitimacy rests on its ability to rise above the kind of raw politics Trump reveled in. Sue Halpern, The New York Review of Books, 25 May 2022 In 1988, the litmus tests included abstinence and prayer in school. M.l. Elrick, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2022 As for those of you who look no further than candidate mailers, NextDoor rants or red vs. blue litmus tests: Sit this one out. Sharon Grigsby, Dallas News, 20 Apr. 2021 Gone are the days of 90-plus votes in favor of a nominee, replaced by partisan votes and clear political litmus tests. Jeff Zeleny, Kevin Liptak And Phil Mattingly, CNN, 4 Feb. 2022 Farmer: This is a litmus-test game for the Chargers. Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2021 See More
New York Times, 2 July 2022 Unlike in the United States, wearing a mask or getting a vaccine never became ideological litmus tests. Ben Dooley, BostonGlobe.com, 2 July 2022 For example, activists are pressuring major financial institutions to impose political litmus tests on charitable giving. Robert Netzly, WSJ, 25 May 2022 Such litmus tests politicize the Court, and its legitimacy rests on its ability to rise above the kind of raw politics Trump reveled in. Sue Halpern, The New York Review of Books, 25 May 2022 In 1988, the litmus tests included abstinence and prayer in school. M.l. Elrick, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2022 As for those of you who look no further than candidate mailers, NextDoor rants or red vs. blue litmus tests: Sit this one out. Sharon Grigsby, Dallas News, 20 Apr. 2021 Gone are the days of 90-plus votes in favor of a nominee, replaced by partisan votes and clear political litmus tests. Jeff Zeleny, Kevin Liptak And Phil Mattingly, CNN, 4 Feb. 2022 Farmer: This is a litmus-test game for the Chargers. Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English litmose, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse litmosi herbs used in dyeing, from litr color (akin to Old English wlite brightness, appearance) + mosi moss; akin to Old English mōs moss
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing litmus
Medical Definition
litmus
noun
lit·mus ˈlit-məs
: a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator
litmuses
noun
as in litmus tests
Synonyms & Similar Words
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- litmus tests
- acid tests
- gantlets
- ordeals
- gauntlets
- crucibles
- fires
- crosses
- challenges
- trials
- initiations
- baptisms
- complications
- hardships
- rigors
- difficulties
- grievances
- griefs