crucible: Meaning and Definition of

cru•ci•ble

Pronunciation: (kr'su-bul), [key]
— n.
  1. a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures.
  2. a hollow area at the bottom of a furnace in which the metal collects.
  3. a severe, searching test or trial.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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