Noun: Crucible (KROO-suh-bul)
Definition:
1. A vessel in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted.
2. A severe test.
3. A place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development.
Sample sentence: Living in Paris in the late 60’s was like living in a crucible with many angry confrontations between workers, students and government.