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litmus |
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litmus test
1. Lit. a test used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of chemical substances. (Acid turns litmus paper red and alkaline compounds turn it blue.) I used a litmus test to show that the compound was slightly acid. 2. Fig. a question or experiment that seeks to determine the state of one important factor. His performance on the long exam served as a litmus test to determine whether he would go to college. The amount of white cells in my blood became the litmus test for diagnosing my disease. See also: test a litmus test something that shows clearly what someone's opinions or intentions are Usage notes: Litmus is a substance used in chemical tests because it changes colour. His views on abortion are effectively a litmus test of his views on women's rights. See also: test Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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