Crucible (noun)

1. A vessel made of a refractory material (such as porcelain or graphite) used for high-temperature chemical reactions and powder sintering.
2. A severe or trying test or trial.

Origin:

From middle english cruicible, from old french creusible, from latin crux, cruc- "cross" + -bile, from -bulum "suffix denoting receptacle or instrument".

Examples:

1. The chemist heated the mixture in a crucible over the Bunsen burner.
2. The crucible was made of high-quality graphite, which can withstand high temperatures.
3. The war was a crucible that tested the soldier's courage and endurance.
4. The financial crisis was a crucible that tested the bank's resilience.
5. His time in prison was a crucible that shaped his character.