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.

This game against a potential playoff foe was somewhat of a litmus test for the Seahawks, who handled business coming out of the bye week with wins over the Cardinals (twice), 49ers and Jets. —

Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Embracing electric vehicles is another Democratic litmus test that runs afoul of Trump’s agenda. —

Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 Ukraine and our capacity to provide for its defense is a litmus test of a new transatlantic burden sharing. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Wall Street faces another key litmus test Thursday with earnings results from megacap technology giants Apple and Amazon . —

Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for litmus test