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litmus

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litmus

Main Entry:: lit·mus
Pronunciation:: \ˈlit-məs\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English litmose, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse litmosi herbs used in dyeing, from litr color (akin to Old English wlite brightness, appearance) + mosi moss; akin to Old English mōs moss
Date:: 14th century

1: a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator2: the critical factor in a litmus test ; also : litmus test

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