crucible

1. N-COUNT A crucible is a pot in which metals or other substances can be melted or heated up to very high temperatures. 熔爐

2. N-SING Crucible is used to refer to a situation in which something is tested or a conflict takes place, often one which produces something new. 嚴峻的考驗[文學性] [oft N 'of' n]

...a system in which ideas are tested in the crucible of party contention. ...一個在嚴峻黨派紛爭中檢驗不同觀點的體系。