crucible

/ˈkrusəbəl/
noun
  1. A container made of a material that can withstand very high temperatures, used for melting metals or other substances.
    • The blacksmith poured the molten iron from the crucible into a mold.
    • Ancient artisans used clay crucibles to melt gold and silver for jewelry.
    • In the lab, we heated the sample in a ceramic crucible until it glowed red.
  2. A severe test or trial that forces someone to change or grow stronger.
    • Starting a new business in a tough economy can be a real crucible for an entrepreneur.
    • Going through the war was a crucible that forged his character.
    • The final exam was a crucible that tested everything the students had learned.
  3. A place or situation where different forces or ideas come together to create something new.
    • New York City has long been a crucible of cultures and artistic movements.
    • The university research lab served as a crucible for groundbreaking discoveries.
    • The internet is a crucible where old and new forms of communication constantly mix.
Synonyms
What does "crucible" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean