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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- crucibles
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").
Synonyms
View more →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.
