A ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures
a heat-resistant vessel [n CRUCIBLES]
A place or occasion of severe test or trial
A place or situation in which different elements interact to produce something new
a severe, searching test or trial.
is more often encountered in figurative use referring to a difficult test or challenge, or to a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions.
refers to a place or situation that forces someone or something to change.
