crucible

== English == === Etymology === From Latin crucibulum (“night-lamp, metallurgic melting-pot”), apparently a derivative of crux (“cross”), perhaps by analogy to thūribulum (“censer”) and suffix -bulum, or from crucio (“to torment”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈkɹuː.sɪ.bəl/ === Noun === crucible (plural crucibles) (chemistry) A cup-shaped piece of laboratory equipment used to contain chemical compounds when heating them to very high temperatures. A heat-resistant container in which metals are melted, usually at temperatures above 500°C, commonly made of graphite with clay as a binder. The bottom and hottest part of a blast furnace; the hearth. (figuratively) A very difficult and trying experience, that acts as a refining or hardening process. Coordinate term: trial by fire ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References ===