litmus test

noun

: a test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive

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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

The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates.

Recent Examples on the Web Still, the vastly changing regional sports business, on top of the traditional TV landscape, could make MLB a litmus test for the rights deals that follow. —

Alex Sherman,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024 The local elections results in Thuringia and Saxony are seen by many as a litmus test for Scholz and his coalition partners ahead of next year’s general elections. —

Claudia Otto, CNN, 1 Sep. 2024 The age of 81 alone is not the litmus test of one’s ability to serve. —

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2024 Prominent esports franchise Ninjas in Pyjamas began public trading on Friday, the latest financial litmus test for an industry—and business model—still reeling from an investment boom and bust cycle. —

Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for litmus test

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.