Litmus Test (Noun)
Meaning 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.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A test that relies on a single indicator; "her litmus test for good breeding is whether you split infinitives".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The company's litmus test for new employees is their ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
- For many environmentalists, a politician's stance on climate change is a litmus test for their overall credibility.
- The restaurant's litmus test for a perfect soufflé is whether it rises to twice its original height.
- The investor's litmus test for a startup's potential is whether they can demonstrate a clear path to profitability.
- Her litmus test for a good relationship is whether her partner is willing to listen to her without judgment.