crucible

• Nom désignant un récipient utilisé pour fondre ou chauffer des substances à haute température, ou, au sens figuré, une épreuve ou un test sévère.

A noun referring to a container used for melting or heating substances at high temperatures, or metaphorically to a severe test or trial.

1. Melting containerB2formalscientific

   A ceramic or metal container used for melting substances at high temperatures.

   Creuset (récipient de fusion)

   • The chemist placed the sample in a crucible and heated it.
   • Gold is often melted in a crucible during refining.
   • The crucible withstood the extreme heat of the furnace.

   Synonymesmelting potpot

2. Severe test or trialC1formal

   A situation of severe trial or in which different elements interact to produce something new.

   Épreuve sévère, creuset

   • The war was a crucible that forged their character.
   • The startup faced the crucible of market competition.
   • Her leadership was tested in the crucible of crisis.

   Synonymesfiregauntletordealproving groundtesttrialtribulation