litmus test
noun
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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
Alexi McCammond, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
While New York’s high-stakes U.S. House races might help decide control of Congress in November, the Empire State’s upcoming June 25 primaries are worth following as a litmus test of growing cracks within the Democratic Party.
—Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024
Asked to reflect, Hamilton shares his standout moment so far with the Silver Arrows, what he’s learned about leadership from Mercedes principal Toto Wolff, and why this weekend will be a litmus test for the team.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 22 June 2024
My litmus test for a good bagel comes down to texture.
—Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for litmus test 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'litmus test.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litmus%20test. Accessed 16 Jul. 2024.
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