What is "litmus test"

litmus test \litmus test\,

1. (Chem.) A test to determine acidity or alkalinity, using litmus as an inddicator.

2. Hence: (Fig.) A test for a single factor, which has only two outcomes, positive or negative; specifically: (Politics) the question of whether a candidate for office is for or against a particular position on an issue; -- used, e.g. by voters concerned predominantly with a single issue, to decide whether to vote for or against a candidate; as, many voters take a candidate's position on abortion as their litmus test.

n. 1 (context chemistry English) A simple test for the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, using litmus paper. 2 (context figuratively by extension English) Any test which produces a decisive result by measuring a single indicator.

1. n. 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]

2. a test that relies on a single indicator; "her litmus test for good breeding is whether you split infinitives"

A litmus test is a question asked of a potential candidate for high office, the answer to which would determine whether the nominating official would proceed with the appointment or nomination. The expression is a metaphor based on the litmus test in chemistry, in which one is able to test the general acidity of a substance, but not its exact pH. Those who must approve a nominee, such as a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, may also be said to apply a litmus test to determine whether the nominee will receive their vote. In these contexts, the phrase comes up most often with respect to nominations to the judiciary.

Litmus test a test using litmus to determine whether a solution is acidic or basic.

Litmus test may also refer to:

• Litmus test (politics), a question asked of a potential candidate
• Litmus test (Mary Sue), a test written to help writers gauge whether their character is a Mary Sue