Litmus

usgb/ˈlɪtməs/
noun

A blue material that is used in chemistry to test how much acid is in a substance. It turns red in acid and stays blue in alkali.

She dipped a strip of litmus into the solution to determine its acidity or alkalinity.
Visual representation of "litmus" - A blue material that is used in chemistry to test how much acid is in a substance. It turns red in acid and stays blue in alkali

Often appears as...

  • litmus test
  • litmus paper

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "litmus"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Chemical Indicator

Litmus is specifically used in chemistry to indicate acidity or alkalinity, not general color change.

Illustration for Chemical Indicator
My teacher said that litmus is not a dye but an indicator.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Blue and Red

Remember, litmus turns only blue in alkaline conditions and red in acidic conditions, not other colors.

Illustration for Blue and Red
Her litmus paper turned red when she tested vinegar.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Testing Substance

Litmus is not the substance being tested; it's the tool to test other substances.

Illustration for Testing Substance
He realized he needed to get litmus to test his pool's water.
Visual representation of the word "Litmus"

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