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Crucible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'crucible'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.