Definition of crucible
1
: a vessel of a very refractory (see refractory entry 1 sense 3) material (such as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat
2
: a severe test
He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.
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 His character was formed in the crucible of war.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for crucible
The first known use of crucible was in the 15th century
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