crucible

UK: /ˈkruːsɪb^əl/ US: /ˈkrusəbəl/ ,(kro̅o̅′sə bəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

cru•ci•ble /ˈkrusəbəl/   n. [countable]

1. Metallurgy a container or pot of metal used for heating substances to high temperatures.
2. a severe test or trial, esp. one that causes a lasting change or influence.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

cru•ci•ble  (kro̅o̅′sə bəl), n. 

1. Metallurgy a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures.
2. Metallurgy a hollow area at the bottom of a furnace in which the metal collects.
3. a severe, searching test or trial.

• Gallo Romance *croceolus (of uncertain origin, originally), probably Latinized on the model of tūribulum thurible
• Medieval Latin crucibulum; compare Anglo-French crusil, Old French croi-suel, croisol night lamp, crucible
• late Middle English crusible, corusible 1400–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

crucible / ˈkruːsɪb^əl/ noun

1. a vessel in which substances are heated to high temperatures
2. the hearth at the bottom of a metallurgical furnace in which the metal collects
3. a severe trial or test

Etymology: 15th Century corusible, from Medieval Latin crūcibulum night lamp, crucible, of uncertain origin