cru.ci.ble
n.（名词）
A vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures.
坩埚：一种用石墨或瓷等耐熔物质制成的器具，用来在高温时熔化或煅烧原料
A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.See Synonyms at trial
考验：严峻的考验，如对耐心或信念的考验；磨练参见 trial
A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces:
熔炉：智力、社会、经济或政治力量汇合的地点、时间或状况：
例句：
.Yale is a crucible in American life for the accommodation of intellectual achievement, of wisdom, of refinement, with the democratic ideals of openness, of social justice and of equal opportunity.(Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.)
.耶鲁大学是美国生活中的一个熔炉，它为智力成就、智慧和精确提供了便利，具有开放、社会公正以及机会同等的民主观念.(小本诺C.施米特)
来源：
Middle English crusible
中古英语 crusible
from Medieval Latin crôcibulum [night-light, crucible]
源自 中世纪拉丁语 crôcibulum [通夜灯，坩埚]
possibly from Old French croisuel [cresset] * see cresset
可能源自 古法语 croisuel [灯器] *参见 cresset
