The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CRUCIBLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
R
U
C
I
B
L
E
More clues leading to the result CRUCIBLE
- Forecaster said supporting vineyard's a severe test
- Venue for those that cue Miller’s play
- Crib clue compiled for melting pot
- Crib clue for “melting pot”
- Conservative government skewered by revolutionary writer in 25 play
- Small room with centre upended to host King’s trial
- Pot seen in snooker theatre?
- Severe test with the Spanish writer turning up after news of team
- Vintage alembic a master dropped disastrously into hearth
- Trial resulting from swimmer’s bottom being exposed in changing cubicle
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a severe test" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a severe test = crucible.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CRUCIBLE mean?
CRUCIBLE noun- A cup-shaped piece of laboratory equipment used to contain chemical compounds when heating them to very high temperatures.
- A heat-resistant container in which metals are melted, usually at temperatures above 500°C, commonly made of graphite with clay as a binder.
- The bottom and hottest part of a blast furnace; the hearth.
- A very difficult and trying experience, that acts as a refining or hardening process.