litmus paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “litmus paper” mean?
A strip of paper treated with litmus dye, used in chemistry as a simple test for acidity or alkalinity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strip of paper treated with litmus dye, used in chemistry as a simple test for acidity or alkalinity.
Any simple, decisive test or indicator for a quality or condition, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. Metaphorical use ('a litmus test') is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts. In metaphorical use, it can imply an oversimplified or binary criterion.
Frequency
The phrase 'litmus test' is more frequent than 'litmus paper' in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “litmus paper” in a Sentence
[Verb] litmus paper (into something)[Verb] litmus paper (with something)litmus paper [Verb] + [Colour/State]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “litmus paper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The litmus-paper result was conclusive.
- It was a litmus-paper moment for the government.
American English
- The litmus-paper analysis provided a quick answer.
- We need a litmus-paper issue to rally voters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'Consumer confidence is a litmus test for the health of the retail sector.'
Academic
Technical: 'The solution's pH was confirmed using litmus paper.' Figurative: 'Voter turnout served as a litmus paper for democratic engagement.'
Everyday
Primarily metaphorical: 'His reaction was the litmus paper for how the family would take the news.'
Technical
Concrete, laboratory use: 'Red litmus paper turns blue in the presence of a base.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “litmus paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “litmus paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “litmus paper”
- Using 'litmus paper' as a verb (incorrect: *'They litmus-papered the policy'). The correct verb form is 'to test with litmus paper' or 'use as a litmus test'.
- Confusing which colour indicates what (Red turns blue for base; Blue turns red for acid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Litmus paper is a type of pH indicator paper, but it only shows if a substance is acidic (red) or basic (blue). Universal pH paper shows a range of colours corresponding to specific pH values.
No, it is not standard. The noun form is used, as in 'to test with litmus paper' or metaphorically 'to use as a litmus test'.
'Litmus' comes from Old Norse 'litmose', from 'litr' (colour, dye) and 'mosi' (moss), as the dye was originally obtained from lichens.
Yes, it is widely accepted in formal writing, including academic and journalistic contexts, to denote a definitive indicator or single crucial criterion.
A strip of paper treated with litmus dye, used in chemistry as a simple test for acidity or alkalinity.
Litmus paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪtməs ˌpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪtməs ˌpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “litmus test (for something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LITMUS PAPER LITerally Measures Universal Scale (pH). It's the paper that tells the tale of acid or base.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIMPLE TEST IS A LITMUS PAPER / A DECISIVE INDICATOR IS A COLOUR CHANGE.
Practice
Quiz
What does blue litmus paper do when dipped into an acidic solution?