LITMUS TEST

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does litmus test mean? 

• LITMUS TEST (noun)
  The noun LITMUS TEST has 2 senses:

1. a coloring material (obtained from lichens) that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions; used as a very rough acid-base indicator

2. a test that relies on a single indicator

  Familiarity information: LITMUS TEST used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LITMUS TEST (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A coloring material (obtained from lichens) that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions; used as a very rough acid-base indicator

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Synonyms:

litmus; litmus test

Hypernyms ("litmus test" is a kind of...):

acid-base indicator (an indicator that changes color on going from acidic to basic solutions)

Holonyms ("litmus test" is a substance of...):

litmus paper (unsized paper treated with litmus for use as an acid-base indicator)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A test that relies on a single indicator

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

her litmus test for good breeding is whether you split infinitives

Hypernyms ("litmus test" is a kind of...):

exam; examination; test (a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge)