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Crucible: meaning, definitions and examples

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crucible

 

[ ˈkruː.sə.bəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific container

A crucible is a heat-resistant container used for melting and purifying metals at high temperatures. It can also refer to a severe test or trial that individuals or groups go through, often leading to significant transformation.

Synonyms

chalice, container, test, trial

Examples of usage

  • The metal was melted in the crucible.
  • They underwent a crucible of challenges during the project.
  • The artist's talent was tested in the crucible of competition.
  • The crucible was made of ceramic to withstand high heat.
Context #2 | Noun

severe trial

In a broader sense, a crucible can refer to a situation of severe trial or a place or occasion where different elements interact to produce something new, often resulting in personal growth or change.

Synonyms

ordeal, test, trial, tribulation

Examples of usage

  • The community served as a crucible for innovative ideas.
  • His experiences in the war became a crucible that shaped his character.
  • The startup was a crucible of creativity and hard work.
  • Their friendship was tested in the crucible of adversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "crucible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cadinho

🇮🇳 पिघलाने का बर्तन

🇩🇪 Schmelztiegel

🇮🇩 dapur peleburan

🇺🇦 плавильний тигель

🇵🇱 tygiel

🇯🇵 溶鉱炉

🇫🇷 creuset

🇪🇸 crisol

🇹🇷 erime kabı

🇰🇷 용광로

🇸🇦 بوتقة

🇨🇿 tavidlo

🇸🇰 tavič

🇨🇳 熔炉

🇸🇮 talilnik

🇮🇸 bræðsluofn

🇰🇿 қосымша

🇬🇪 მოთხოვნა

🇦🇿 ərin

🇲🇽 crisol

Etymology

The word 'crucible' comes from the Latin 'crucibulum', meaning 'night lamp' or 'small pot'. In Middle English, it evolved to refer specifically to a container for melting metals. Over time, the term expanded to encompass metaphorical meanings, representing difficult situations or tests of character, as seen in John Proctor's famous line in Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible', where it symbolizes the intense pressures and moral dilemmas faced during the Salem witch trials. The dual nature of crucibles, both as physical containers for transformation and as metaphorical trials of strength, illustrates the complexity of the term's evolution through language and culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,185, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.