litmus
pronunciation
How to pronounce litmus in British English:
UK [ˈlɪtməs]
How to pronounce litmus in American English:
US [ˈlɪtməs]
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- Noun:
- 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
Word Origin
- litmus
- litmus: see moss
- litmus (n.)
- "blue dye-stuff obtained from certain lichens," early 14c., from Middle Dutch lijkmoes (Dutch lakmoes), from lac (see lac) + moes "pulp." Another theory is that it represents Old Norse litmose, literally "lichen for dying," from Old Norse lita "to dye, to stain," from litr "color, dye" (see lit (n.1)) + mos "moss." Yet another idea connects the first element to Middle Dutch leken "to drip, leak" (see leak (v.)). Whichever was the original word, it probably was influenced by the others. The dye is obtained from certain lichens. It is naturally blue but turns red in acid and is restored to blue by alkalis. Figurative use of litmus test is first attested 1957, from scientific use of litmus-treated paper as a chemical indicator. Litmus paper with this meaning is from 1803.
Example
- 1. A sence of control is the litmus test for success .
- 2. In dr nersesian 's titration the litmus was a species called the brushtail possum .
- 3. But does aviation really serve as a litmus test for such a transformation ?
- 4. A stable debt ratio is the litmus test of a sustainable budget .
- 5. Chinese property companies often serve as a litmus test of hong kong 's appetite for initial public offerings .