cupele

Cupele is a term that can refer to several different things, most commonly relating to containers or vessels. In a general sense, a "cupel" is a shallow, porous cup made from bone ash or similar material used in metallurgy for assaying the purity of precious metals like gold and silver. The process involves heating the metal in the cupel, which absorbs the base metals as molten oxides, leaving behind the purified precious metal. This technique has been used for centuries in the refining of metals.

Beyond its metallurgical application, the term "cupel" can also be found in less common contexts. It might appear in historical or archaeological discussions referring to small, bowl-like vessels used for various purposes in ancient times. In some regional dialects or specialized fields, "cupel" might describe other types of small containers or receptacles, though these uses are less widespread than the metallurgical definition. The etymology of the word is believed to derive from the Latin "cupella," meaning a small cup. Understanding the context in which "cupele" is used is crucial for accurately interpreting its meaning.