turmeric paper

American  

noun

1. paper treated with turmeric: used to indicate the presence of alkalis, which turn it brown, or of boric acid, which turns it reddish-brown.

---

turmeric paper British  

noun

1. chem paper impregnated with turmeric used as a test for alkalis, which turn it brown, and for boric acid, which turns it reddish brown

---

Etymology

Origin of turmeric paper

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The machine was then worked for a few turns, and alkali immediately appeared at the point of the discharging train which rested on the turmeric paper.

From Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1 by Faraday, Michael

Test the gas given off with moistened turmeric paper.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Snyder, Harry

In India they inhale the fumes of burning turmeric paper for coryza, and with good effect according to the testimony of Dr. Waring.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

The machine was then worked, the positive electricity passing into the turmeric paper at the point p, and out at the extremity n.

From Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1 by Faraday, Michael

The pole c, when touched by turmeric paper, gave no traces of alkali, nor could anything but pure water be found upon it.

From Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1 by Faraday, Michael