crucible

cru·ci·ble

noun \ˈkrü-sə-bəl\

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>

Examples of CRUCIBLE

1. He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.
2. 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

Related to CRUCIBLE

Synonyms: cross, trial, fire, gauntlet (also gantlet), ordeal

Related Words: baptism, initiation; adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe; acid test, litmus test; challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor; annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

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Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous