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 something 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
Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
The pledge became a litmus test for fiscally conservative GOP candidates and cemented the party’s anti-tax stance.
—Drew Kurlowski, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
Before Tuesday night’s game, interim manager Warren Schaeffer agreed that facing quality teams like the defending World Series champion Dodgers was, indeed, a litmus test.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
The transaction is contingent on regulatory approval and could be a litmus test for President Donald Trump’s views on major companies combining.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for litmus test
Cite this Entry
“Litmus test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litmus%20test. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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