litmus test

noun

: a test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive

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Litmus Test Has Scientific Origins

It was in the 14th century that scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. Six centuries later, people began using litmus test figuratively. It can now refer to any single factor that establishes the true character of something or causes it to be assigned to one category or another. Often it refers to something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that can be used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable or not.

Examples of litmus test in a Sentence

The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

For an emerging generation of consumers, sustainability is a litmus test for purchasing decisions. —

David Craig, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 The second-half schedule isn’t very forgiving A trip to Philadelphia is the ultimate litmus test, and the Guardians will experience it right before the July 30 trade deadline. —

Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 18 July 2024 Yet his move away from trading is a litmus test to determine whether multistrategy firms can thrive beyond their legendary founders. —

Katherine Burton, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2024 Wilson is well aware of what kind of litmus test the Niners provide for a team such as the Jets, who are looking to take the next step into becoming a playoff contender. —

Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for litmus test