01 n. A vessel or melting pot, composed of some very refractory substance, as clay, graphite, platinum, and used for melting and calcining substa…
-
1.
A vessel or melting pot, composed of some very refractory substance, as clay, graphite, platinum, and used for melting and calcining substances which require a strong degree of heat, as metals, ores, etc.
-
2.
A hollow place at the bottom of a furnace, to receive the melted metal.
-
3.
A test of the most decisive kind; a severe trial; as, the crucible of affliction.
Phrases & compounds
Hessian crucible —
a cheap, brittle, and fragile, but very refractory crucible, composed of the finest fire clay and sand, and commonly used for a single heating; -- named from the place of manufacture.