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Crucible: meaning, definitions and examples

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crucible

 

[ˈkruː.sə.bəl ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'crucible' comes from the Latin 'crucibulum', meaning 'night lamp' or 'furnace'.
  • Since the 14th century, it has referred to a metal container for heating substances.
  • It originally described a place of severe trial or test.

Literature

  • Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible' is an allegory about the McCarthy trials, using the idea of a severe test to explore morality and justice.
  • In literature, a crucible often symbolizes a challenging situation where characters undergo transformation or revelation.
  • The concept of a crucible appears in many stories, representing personal growth through adversity.

Science

  • In chemistry and metallurgy, crucibles are essential for high-temperature reactions, allowing scientists to analyze and purify materials.
  • Different materials (like ceramic, graphite, or metal) are used for crucibles depending on the required heat level and purpose.
  • They are used in processes like metal casting and glass-making, pivotal for material science!

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often use the crucible metaphorically to describe life's challenges that test and refine one’s character.
  • The idea of transformation amidst hardship aligns with existentialist themes of seeking meaning through suffering.
  • The crucible concept can lead to discussions about resilience and personal growth in philosophy.

Cultural References

  • The term has been adopted in various fields like education, referring to challenging assessments that promote student growth.
  • In the art world, a crucible often symbolizes creativity and the testing of new ideas under pressure.
  • The concept has made its way into practices like team-building exercises, where groups face challenges together to develop stronger bonds.

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

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.