First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
crucible
noun cru·ci·ble \ˈkrü-sə-bəl\
: a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted
: a difficult test or challenge
: a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions
Full Definition of CRUCIBLE
1
: a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat
2
: a severe test
3
: a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development <conditioned by having grown up within the crucible of Chinatown — Tom Wolfe>
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Origin of CRUCIBLE
Middle English corusible, from Medieval Latin crucibulum earthen pot for melting metals
CRUCIBLE Defined for Kids
crucible
noun cru·ci·ble \ˈkrü-sə-bəl\
Definition of CRUCIBLE for Kids
: a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted
Medical Dictionary
crucible
noun cru·ci·ble \ˈkrü-sə-bəl\
Medical Definition of CRUCIBLE
: a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat
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