LITMUSES
Noun
litmuses
plural of litmus
Source: Wiktionary
LITMUS
Lit"mus, n. Etym: [D. lakmoes; lak lacker + moes a thick preparation
of fruit, pap, prob. akin to E. meat: cf. G. lackmus. See Lac a
resinous substance.] (Chem.)
Definition: A dyestuff extracted from certain lichens (Roccella tinctoria,
Lecanora tartarea, etc.), as a blue amorphous mass which consists of
a compound of the alkaline carbonates with certain coloring matters
related to orcin and orcein.
Note: Litmus is used as a dye, and being turned red by acids and
restored to its blue color by alkalies, is a common indicator or test
for acidity and alkalinity. Litmus paper (Chem.), unsized paper
saturated with blue or red litmus, -- used in testing for acids or
alkalies.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition