crucible — a container made of a substance that can resist great heat, used for melting metals
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a container made of a substance that can resist great heat, used for melting metals
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkruːsɪbl/
Example Sentences
- High school is often a crucible where lifelong friendships are forged.
- The chemistry lab's crucible survived another student's explosive experiment.
- Silicon Valley became a crucible of innovation and startup dreams.
crucible
NOUN[/ˈkruːsɪbl/]
a container made of a substance that can resist great heat, used for melting metals
The blacksmith pours molten gold from the crucible into a glowing mold.
In the crucible, fusible metal makes sparks visible!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin crux meaning 'cross'. The term originally referred to a cross-shaped vessel used in alchemy and metallurgy for melting metals at extreme temperatures. The word later developed a metaphorical sense of 'severe test' or 'trial', derived from the image of materials enduring intense heat within the crucible.
Breakdown
crux (Latin: cross) + -ible (suffix forming adjectives, likely from Latin -ibilis meaning 'capable of'). The -ible suffix may indicate 'capable of being crossed' or relate to the vessel's function in transformative processes.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“High school is often a crucible where lifelong friendships are forged.”
“The chemistry lab's crucible survived another student's explosive experiment.”
“Silicon Valley became a crucible of innovation and startup dreams.”
“My mother's kitchen is a crucible where burnt toast and culinary disasters are born.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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