cru·ci·ble 
/ˈkru:səbəl/ noun
plural cru·ci·bles /ˈkru:səbəl/ noun [count] 1 : a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted 2 formal + literary : a difficult test or challenge
▪ He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics. 3 formal + literary : a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions
▪ His character was formed in the crucible of war.
▪ He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.
▪ His character was formed in the crucible of war.
