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noun Uncommon

crucible

KROO-sih-buhl

Crucible (noun) means a heat-resistant container used to melt metals or heat chemicals at very high temperatures. Example: “The molten gold was poured from the crucible into the mould.”

noun
1
A heat-resistant container used to melt metals or heat chemicals at very high temperatures.
"The molten gold was poured from the crucible into the mould."
2
A difficult, intense experience that tests or shapes a person's character.
"Basic training was a crucible that forged lifelong friendships."

How to Use Crucible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA container for melting things at intense heat — or, figuratively, an intense trial that shapes someone.

Common pairings
crucible of war melt in a crucible

Word Forms

crucibles plural

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Test yourself on “crucible” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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The molten gold was poured from the _____ into the mould.

Etymology

From Latin crucibulum, an old word for a melting pot, possibly linked to crux ("cross") or crucio ("to torment").

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for crucible

See all rhymes for crucible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “crucible” mean?

The word “crucible” means a heat-resistant container used to melt metals or heat chemicals at very high temperatures. In plain terms, a container for melting things at intense heat — or, figuratively, an intense trial that shapes someone.

How do you pronounce “crucible”?

“Crucible” is pronounced KROO-sih-buhl (/ˈkɹuː.sɪ.bəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “crucible” in a sentence?

Here is “crucible” used in a sentence: “The molten gold was poured from the crucible into the mould.”

What part of speech is “crucible”?

“Crucible” is a noun.

Where does the word “crucible” come from?

The word “crucible” comes from Latin. From Latin crucibulum, an old word for a melting pot, possibly linked to crux ("cross") or crucio ("to torment").

Is “crucible” a common word?

“Crucible” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “crucible” have?

“Crucible” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heat-resistant container used to melt metals or heat chemicals at very high temperatures.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial