Dictionary.net

a vessel made of material that does not melt easily; used for high temperature chemical reactions

a vessel made of material that does not melt easily; used for high temperature chemical reactions

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.

A test of the most decisive kind; a severe trial; as, the crucible of affliction.

An earthen pot, for melting ores, metals, etc.

Earthen pot for melting metals, &c.

A vessel, as of clay, for melting metals, etc.; a test; purifying agency.

A small pot, used by chemists, founders, and others, for melting ores, metals, &c., made of earth, so tempered and baked as to endure extreme heat, or of other substances that resist fire; a hollow place at the bottom of a furnace to receive the melted metal; a situation which severely tests a man's virtue.

A pot for melting metals, &c., usually of Stourbridge clay, plumbago, platinum, or other fire-resisting materials.

From crux, crucis, a cross; so called- it has been supposed- from being made in the shape of a cross, or from having a cross impressed upon it. A vessel of earth, silver, platinum, gold, blacklead, &c., for receiving substances, which have to be exposed to a strong heat. It is sometimes covered with a top or lid. (F.) Couvercle.

A vessel for melting refractory substances.

A metallic or earthen vessel used for fusing or incinerating.

n. [Latin] [German] [French] A chemical vessel or melting-pot capable of enduring great heat without injury—used in melting ores or metals; —hollow place at the bottom of a furnace to receive the melted metal.

A chymist’s melting pot made of earth.