1. a vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures 2. a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial 3. a place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces

I recently saw this word in Proverbs: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Of course it’s also the title of a play by Arthur Miller. But you already knew that.