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litmus test

noun

  1. type of chemical test
  2. any type of test of something that shows if something is living up to its claims
  3. type of test of candidates in politics
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Wiktionary

noun

Etymology: From litmus + test.

  1. A simple, binary test for the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, using litmus paper.
  2. Any test which produces a binary, decisive result (for example, determining whether to appoint someone to a job) by measuring a single indicator.

    Exams, not interviews, have become the litmus test for entry to university.

    Temple, under its new coach, Ray Morrison, formerly of Vanderbilt, will be put to the blue litmus test Friday night when it takes on Georgetown.