crucible
crucible Lexical Profile
crucible Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new and stronger.
"The grueling twelve-week boot camp served as a crucible that forged the recruits into an elite, disciplined squad."
A ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures.
"The chemist carefully placed the powdered ore into a porcelain crucible before sliding it into the furnace."
Word Nuance & Usage
Metaphorically, 'crucible' frequently refers to a severe test or trial that ultimately shapes or hardens a person's character, a usage prominently popularized by Arthur Miller's 1953 play 'The Crucible'.
• Rhymes for crucible
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Medieval Latin 'crucibulum' (night lamp, crucible), which was often marked with a cross (Latin 'crux') by historical alchemists to ward off evil spirits during experiments.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.