A vessel used as a container for reactions or meltings at high temperature. [Mediev. L. crucibulum, a night lamp, later, a melting pot]
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cru·ci·ble 'krü-sə-bəl n a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat
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cru·ci·ble (krooґsĭ-bəl) [L. crucibulum] a vessel for melting refractory substances.Medical dictionary. 2011.