World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesLitmus test
/ˈlɪt.məs tɛst/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A decisively indicative test or critical factor that serves to determine the quality, authenticity, or acceptability of something.
"The candidate's stance on tax reform served as the litmus test for conservative voters." - 2
A procedure or measurement that reliably distinguishes between two contrasting options or states.
"Customer retention serves as a good litmus test for overall product satisfaction."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the chemical litmus paper test used since the 14th century, originating from Old Norse 'lita' meaning to dye or stain, combined with the chemical use of lichen dyes to measure acidity. Over time, the term evolved metaphorically in the late 20th century to describe any single definitive indicator or criterion used to evaluate quality, value, or political inclination.
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10 Global Lexicons: How "Litmus test" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
test de litmus
Transliteration: test də lit.mys
"Ce vote a servi de test de litmus pour le parti."
Lackmustest
Transliteration: ˈlakmuːsˌtɛst
"Die Abstimmung war ein echter Lackmustest für die Regierung."
prova del nove
Transliteration: prɔ.va dɛl ˈnɔ.ve
"Questa elezione sarà la prova del nove per la sua leadership."
prueba de fuego
Transliteration: ˈpɾue.βa ðe ˈfwe.ɣo
"El debate fue la verdadera prueba de fuego para los candidatos."
teste de litmus
Transliteration: ˈtɛstʃi dʒi ˈlit.mus
"A nova lei será um teste de litmus para a economia."
कसौटी
Transliteration: kasausī
"यह निर्णय सरकार के लिए एक बड़ी कसौटी साबित होगा।"
试金石
Transliteration: shìjīnshí
"这件事是对他能力的一次试金石。"
시금석
Transliteration: sigeumseok
"이번 협상은 양국 관계의 시금석이 될 것이다."
リトマス試験紙
Transliteration: ritomasu shikenshi
"その政策は政権の求心力を測るリトマス試験紙となった。"
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