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litmus Definition

lit·mus (litməs)

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