litmus test — litmus test, 1. (Chem.) A test to determine acidity or alkalinity, using litmus as an inddicator. [PJC] 2. Hence: (Fig.) A test for a single factor, which has only two outcomes, positive or negative; specifically: (Politics) the question of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
litmus test — litmus .test n [singular] 1.) one detail that is examined in order to help you make a decision about how suitable or acceptable someone or something is litmus test of/for ▪ The mayoral election is regarded as the litmus test for the integrity of… … Dictionary of contemporary English
litmus test — n. 1. a test using litmus paper to determine whether a solution is an acid or a base 2. any test in which a single factor determines the finding [a litmus test for political candidates] … English World dictionary
litmus test — litmus ,test noun count 1. ) an event, decision, etc. that provides a clear sign of what someone is really like or what their intentions are: The vote will be a litmus test for how serious the international community is about tackling… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
litmus test — ► NOUN 1) a test using litmus. 2) a decisively indicative test … English terms dictionary
litmus test — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms litmus test : singular litmus test plural litmus tests 1) an event, decision etc that provides a clear sign of what someone is really like or what their intentions are The vote will be a litmus test for how… … English dictionary
litmus test — [[t]lɪ̱tməs test[/t]] litmus tests N COUNT: usu sing, usu N of/for n If you say that something is a litmus test of something such as the quality or success of a particular thing, you mean that it is an effective and definite way of proving it or… … English dictionary
litmus test — noun 1. a coloring material (obtained from lichens) that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions; used as a very rough acid base indicator • Syn: ↑litmus • Hypernyms: ↑acid base indicator • Substance Holonyms: ↑litmus paper 2.… … Useful english dictionary
litmus test — noun 1》 Chemistry a test using litmus. 2》 a decisive test: they failed the litmus test of political maturity … English new terms dictionary
litmus test — noun (singular) 1 something that makes it clear what someone s attitude, intentions etc are: The election will be an interesting litmus test on the greening of politics. 2 a test using litmus paper … Longman dictionary of contemporary English