1. plural of litmus: a dye obtained from lichens that turns red in acidic solutions and blue in basic solutions, used as an acid-base indicator
Usage: chemistry
2. plural of litmus: tests or criteria used to judge or evaluate something
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The chemistry lab stocked several different litmuses for the experiments.
• Blue litmuses turn red when dipped in acidic solutions.
• The teacher demonstrated how litmuses change color in different pH levels.
• These policy proposals serve as litmuses for the candidate’s true beliefs.
• The company uses customer satisfaction surveys as litmuses for service quality.
• Environmental issues have become litmuses for political alignment.