litmus test
Americannoun
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Chemistry. the use of litmus paper or solution to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
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a crucial and revealing test in which there is one decisive factor.
noun
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a test to establish the acidity or alkalinity of a mixture
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a critical indication of future success or failure
Etymology
Origin of litmus test
First recorded in 1955–60; so called from chemical tests in which litmus or litmus paper is an indicator
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Playing in Friday's Chatrier day session against exciting Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, with temperatures set to reach 34C, will be a litmus test.
From BBC ● May 28, 2026
The game was expected to be a major showdown between MVP candidates and a litmus test for the Lakers, who entered with 13 wins in their previous 14 games.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026
Sunday’s showdown with Kansas, and coach Bill Self, will be the ultimate litmus test of Pitino’s bold strategy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026
They also provide a valuable litmus test for contemporary romance.
From Salon ● Mar. 19, 2026
If unity is indeed the litmus test of human progress, neither history nor Heaven will readily forgive those who choose deliberately to raise their hands against it.
From One Common Faith by Baha'i International Community
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
