Main Entry:

cru·ci·ble

Pronunciation:

\ˈkrü-sə-bəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English corusible, from Medieval Latin crucibulum earthen pot for melting metals

Date:

15th century

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>