litmus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Technical, Figurative/Extended use
Quick answer
What does “litmus” mean?
A water-soluble dye, usually obtained from lichens, that turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A water-soluble dye, usually obtained from lichens, that turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions.
A substance or test used to reveal the true nature or character of something; a decisive indicator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the meaning or usage of the word itself. The metaphorical 'litmus test' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: scientific precision in the literal sense; a decisive, often binary, criterion in the metaphorical sense.
Frequency
The word is relatively low-frequency in both varieties outside of scientific and political/journalistic contexts. The phrase 'litmus test' is far more frequent than the standalone noun 'litmus'.
Grammar
How to Use “litmus” in a Sentence
N of N (litmus test of loyalty)N for N (litmus test for democracy)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “litmus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The policy became a litmus-test issue for the party members.
American English
- Abortion remains a litmus-test question for many judicial nominees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'Customer satisfaction is our litmus test for product success.'
Academic
Literal in chemistry; metaphorical in social sciences: 'Voter turnout served as a litmus test for political engagement.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively metaphorical: 'For him, a sense of humour is the litmus test for friendship.'
Technical
Literal use in chemistry and biology: 'The solution was tested with litmus paper, which turned blue.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “litmus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “litmus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “litmus”
- Using 'litmus' as an adjective by itself (e.g., 'a litmus issue' is incorrect; it should be 'a litmus-test issue'). Confusing it with 'litmus' being the test itself; the test is *applied* using litmus.
- Misspelling as 'litnus' or 'litmass'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'litmus' is not standardly used as a verb. The action is described as 'testing with litmus' or 'using a litmus test'.
They are often synonymous in metaphorical use. However, 'acid test' originally referred to testing gold with nitric acid and can imply a more rigorous, ultimate trial, while 'litmus test' strongly implies a simple, binary (yes/no, pass/fail) outcome.
No, this is a common error. The standalone noun 'litmus' refers to the dye. You must say 'a litmus test' when using it metaphorically (e.g., 'a test for loyalty').
In its common form, yes. It is purple in a neutral solution, turning red in acids (pH < 7) and blue in bases/alkalis (pH > 7).
A water-soluble dye, usually obtained from lichens, that turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions.
Litmus is usually academic, technical, figurative/extended use in register.
Litmus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt.məs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt.məs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “litmus test”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LITMUS reveals the TRUTH. LIT (as in 'to light up' or reveal) + MUS (sounds like 'must', something essential). It's the essential revealer.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUBSTANCE IS A DECISIVE JUDGE (The litmus judges the solution). / A TEST IS A SUBSTANCE (The political test is a litmus).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern use of the word 'litmus'?