Crossword Genius

Feel it must break up test material (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

litmus

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'up test material' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'feel it must break' is the wordplay.
'LITMUS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for litmus that I've seen before include "Old dance" , "Substance used in test for acidity" , "Paper used to test for acid or alkali" , "Colouring material used as a rough acid-base indicator" , "Substance used to tell acid from alkali" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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