litmus test

UK:**UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈlɪtməstɛst/


WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈlit•mus ˌtest, n. [countable]
  1. Chemistrya test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus paper.
  2. a crucial test using a single issue or factor as the basis for judgment:A candidate's honesty is the litmus test for the voters.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
lit′mus test′, 
    1. Chemistrythe use of litmus paper or solution to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
    2. a crucial and revealing test in which there is one decisive factor.
    • so called from chemical tests in which litmus or litmus paper is an indicator 1955–60

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