litmus

/ˈlɪtməs/noun
High School
1

A dyestuff extracted from certain lichens, that changes color when exposed to pH levels greater than or less than certain critical levels.

2

A simple test of acidity in a liquid using litmus, usually in the form of litmus paper.

3

A simple test of any attribute; a litmus test.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing