crucible
Translation
crucible, severe test, ordeal
Examples
The metal was heated in a crucible.
The metal was heated in a crucible.
His character was formed in the crucible of war.
His character was formed in the crucible of war.
Grammar Patterns
a crucible of ((sth.)) a place or situation in which different elements interact to create something new His character was formed in the crucible of war.
Similar Words
Synonyms: pot, container (literal); trial, ordeal (figurative)
Etymology
From Medieval Latin 'crucibulum' (night lamp, pot for melting metals), possibly from 'crux' (cross), as pots might have been marked with a cross.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'crucial' test. A crucible is where things are put to a crucial test, either by heat or by circumstance.