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litmus Definition

lit·mus (lit′məs)

noun

a purple coloring matter obtained from various lichens and used as an acid-base indicator in chemical analysis: it turns blue in bases and red in acids

Etymology: ON litmose, lichen used in dyeing < litr, color (akin to Goth wlits, face < IE *wtu-, appearance < base *wel-, to see > L voltus, expression, Welsh gweled, to see) + mosi, moss

litmus Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • test: The litmus test for the industry in the area of new funding is whether we are getting a fair share for everyone.
  • paper: The answers to the next 40 questions all contain 4 letters 1 What turns litmus paper red?
  • blue: The ammonium ion reacts with sodium hydroxide solution to form ammonia Ammonia gas turns damp litmus paper blue.
  • red: The answers to the next 40 questions all contain 4 letters 1 What turns litmus paper red?
  • indicator: Select your answer ----------------- blue red green 8 When litmus indicator is added to an alkali it turns?
  • dye: The litmus dye used so widely as an acid/alkaline indicator in chemistry comes from lichens.

Noun used with modifier

  • business: To emphasize the " think small first " message, a small business litmus test was introduced last year.

Browse dictionary entries near litmus

  1. ‹ litigious
  2. ‹ litigation
  3. ‹ litigate
  4. ‹ litigant
  5. ‹ litigable
  6. ‹ Lithuanian
  7. ‹ Lithuania
  8. ‹ lithotrity
  9. ‹ lithotripsy
  10. ‹ lithotomy
  1. litmus paper ›
  2. litmus test ›
  3. litotes ›
  4. litre ›
  5. littérateur ›
  6. LittB ›
  7. LittD ›
  8. litten ›
  9. litter ›
  10. litterbag ›