litmus test
noun
Chemistry. the use of litmus paper or solution to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
a crucial and revealing test in which there is one decisive factor.
Nearby words
litigiosity, litigious, litigiously, litmus, litmus paper, litmus test, litotes, litre, litt. b., litt. d., litt.m.
Origin of litmus test
First recorded in 1955–60; so called from chemical tests in which litmus or litmus paper is an indicator
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for litmus test
litmus test
noun
a test to establish the acidity or alkalinity of a mixture
a critical indication of future success or failure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for litmus test
litmus test
n.
A test for chemical acidity or basicity using litmus paper.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.