litmus
|lit/mus|
B2
/ˈlɪtməs/
acid-base indicator
Etymology
Etymology Information
'litmus' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'litmosi', where 'lit' meant 'dye' and 'mosi' meant 'moss'.
Historical Evolution
'litmosi' transformed into the Middle English word 'litmose', and eventually became the modern English word 'litmus'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'dye from moss', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'acid-base indicator'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a dye obtained from certain lichens that is red under acid conditions and blue under alkaline conditions, used as an acid-base indicator.
The chemist used litmus to test the acidity of the solution.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35