noun
crucible
KROO-sih-buhl
noun
1
A heat-resistant container used to melt metals or heat chemicals at very high temperatures.
"The molten gold was poured from the crucible into the mould."
2
A difficult, intense experience that tests or shapes a person's character.
"Basic training was a crucible that forged lifelong friendships."
How to Use Crucible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA container for melting things at intense heat — or, figuratively, an intense trial that shapes someone.
Common pairings
crucible of war
melt in a crucible
Word Forms
crucibles plural
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Etymology
From Latin crucibulum, an old word for a melting pot, possibly linked to crux ("cross") or crucio ("to torment").