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
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The coaches have asked athlete signee Juju Pope, a 6-0, 203-pounder from South Panola, Miss., to give linebacker a whirl so this spring will be a good litmus test for him.
—Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2024
The litmus tests for our support include their commitment to international law and human rights in their domestic and foreign policies.
—Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024
As first reported by The Washington Post, over the past few weeks, advisers to former President Trump have asked current and potential RNC staffers about their views on the 2020 presidential election -- serving as an apparent litmus test for hiring.
—Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2024
In the next phase, politicians may seek to impose ideological litmus tests in promotions and appointments of senior officers.
—Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2024
The primary on Tuesday is also being watched as an early litmus test for how much Biden's stance on Gaza could hurt his reelection bid — even though a lot could change before the general election in November.
—Ziad Buchh, NPR, 25 Feb. 2024
Along with acting as a litmus test for Haley’s ability to round up support in her home state, South Carolina’s primary will set the stage going into Super Tuesday and provide a burst of momentum to the winning campaign.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024
What, if any, should be the litmus test for American allies to receive assistance from the U.S.?
—Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near litmus test
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litmus%20test. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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