crucible etymology

Etymology

• Old French: creuset
• Late Latin: crucibulum, a diminutive of crux (cross)
• Latin: crūx (cross)

Meaning

• A refractory container used for melting or holding substances at high temperatures, especially in a furnace or laboratory.
• A severe test or trial.

Origin

The word "crucible" originally referred to a cross-shaped container used in medieval alchemy. The name comes from the Latin word "crux," meaning "cross," because the container often resembled a cross. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include any container used for melting substances at high temperatures.

In the 16th century, the word "crucible" also began to be used figuratively to refer to a severe test or trial. This usage is based on the idea that a crucible is a place where substances are tested and refined.

crucible relate terms

• vessel

  Etymology Middle English vessel from Anglo French vaissel vessel from Latin vas ge

• crux

  Etymology Latin crux meaning cross Meaning A crucial point issue or questi

• sincere

  Etymology The word sincere originates from the Latin word sincerus which means pur

• pivot

  Etymology The word pivot comes from the Old French word pivot which in turn derives

• saloon

  Etymology The word saloon is derived from the French word salon which means large

• worry

  Etymology 1500s Borrowed from Middle English wurgen to strangle from Old English wy

• denizen

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense dweller in a city or town from Old

• expert

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanin