litmus paper

noun

: unsized paper colored with litmus and used as an indicator

Examples of litmus paper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the hospital, a health care provider might use diagnostic tests to determine if your water has broken, such as the following: Introducing a small piece of paper, called litmus paper, during a vaginal exam. Nicole Harris, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 Sleep is just a litmus paper to physical and mental health. Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 5 May 2010 Liquid samples can be tested with detector paper, which is similar to a large piece of litmus paper. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 7 Aug. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'litmus paper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of litmus paper was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near litmus paper

Cite this Entry

“Litmus paper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litmus%20paper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

litmus paper

noun
lit·​mus paper
ˈlit-məs-
: paper treated with coloring matter that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions

Medical Definition

litmus paper

noun
: paper colored with litmus and used as an acid-base indicator

More from Merriam-Webster on litmus paper

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