What does crucible mean?

A mixing bowl used in laboratories or in mediveal time by alchemists.

Either the the science definition given many times above or In terms of the play "the Crucible" it uses the many meanings of the term crucible (see whirlwinds 3 definitions for the word-all 3 examined together best describe the entire notion of the word crucible as used in the title of the play) as a metaphor for what the social political and economic atmosphere/environment was like in Salem/ie aka McCarthy hearings It was a virtual melting pot of potentially dangerous ('hot') forces (intellectual, political, economic and intellectual) where the people were attempting to (illegitimately or falsely) test faith/principles

A definition of crucible is

A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.

In the play everything and everyone belongs to either God or the Devil; dissent is not merely unlawful, it is associated with satanic activity. This functions as the underlying logic behind the witch trials. As Danforth says in Act III, “a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it.” The witch trials are the ultimate expression of intolerance (and hanging witches is the ultimate means of restoring the community’s purity); the trials brand all social deviants with the taint of devil-worship and thus necessitate their elimination from the community.

cru‧ci‧ble  /ˈkrusəbəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kroo-suh-buhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures.

2.Metallurgy. a hollow area at the bottom of a furnace in which the metal collects.

3.a severe, searching test or trial.

[Origin: 1400–50; late ME crusible, corusible < ML crucibulum; cf. AF crusil, OF croi-suel, croisol night lamp, crucible < Gallo-Rom *croceolus (of uncert. orig.), prob. Latinized on the model of tūribulum thurible]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1)

Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source

I think number three is the definition for crucible from Arthur Miller's play.

Dictionary.com defines is as:

1. a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures.

2. Metallurgy. a hollow area at the bottom of a furnace in which the metal collects.

3. a severe, searching test or trial.

The crucible is about a witch trial. So that means go with number three. You should write up your connection yourself.

1. a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures.

2. Metallurgy. a hollow area at the bottom of a furnace in which the metal collects.

3. a severe, searching test or trial.

i am studyin this play just now too, and, in terms of the play, it means a trial, which obviously relates perfectly to the title. the quote that gives a reason for the plays title is in Act 3, "We burn hot fire here, it melts down all concealment"

Hope this helps

It means melting pot. It is a metaphorical title - read the play and you will get it. Don't cheat on your homework. Grit your teeth, read the play and then THINK. You will be better for it.

I've seen the play. It would mean metaphorically then, the courtroom where various controversial (hot, emotional) ideas are brought together. And ironed out for a truthfull meaning

The courtroom is the 'pot.'

I know, I know!

But, I did my homework to find out and you should too!

Good luck! (I'm not a meany, I want you to educate yourself)