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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of turmeric paper

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Solutions of boric acid give with "turmeric paper," which has been dipped into it and dried, a characteristic red tint.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

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 turning of the machine caused the corners of the piece of turmeric paper opposite to the point to turn brown, thus declaring the presence of alkali.

From Faraday as a Discoverer by Tyndall, John

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

Why must you be careful not to let the turmeric paper touch the sides of the test tube or the liquid?

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Snyder, Harry