litmus etymology

Etymology:

The word "litmus" originates from the Old Norse word "litmósi," which means "dyer's lichen." This lichen, also known as Roccella tinctoria, produces a dye that was traditionally used as a pH indicator.

Meaning:

• A water-soluble dye that changes color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the solution it is in.
• A test strip impregnated with litmus dye, used to indicate the pH of a solution.
• Figuratively, a test or criterion used to determine the quality or suitability of something.

Origin:

Litmus was first used as a dye by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the 13th century, it began to be used as a pH indicator. The use of litmus as a test strip for pH measurement was developed in the 17th century by the Dutch chemist Herman Boerhaave.

Additional Information:

• Litmus is extracted from lichens by soaking them in water and then filtering and drying the resulting liquid.
• Litmus is red in acidic solutions (pH below 7) and blue in basic solutions (pH above 7).
• The transition point for litmus is around pH 7.
• Litmus papers are available in two forms: red litmus paper (sensitive to acids) and blue litmus paper (sensitive to bases).

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