Full Definition of CRUCIBLE
1: a vessel used for melting a substance
that requires a high degree of heat, used
from ancient times as a container for melting
metals or other materials. Modern crucibles
may be small laboratory utensils for conducting
high-temperature chemical reactions and
analyses, or large industrial vessels for melting
metal, ore, or glass, and may be made of clay,
graphite, porcelain, or a relatively infusible
metal.
2: a severe test
3: a place or situation in which
concentrated forces interact to cause or
influence change or development
Examples: conditioned by having grown up
within the crucible of Chinatown — Tom
Wolfe; He's ready to face the crucible of the
Olympics.; His character was formed in the
crucible of war.
Origin of CRUCIBLE
Middle English corusible, from Medieval
Latin crucibulum earthen pot for melting
metals. First Known Use: 15th century