Glossary
What is aquamation?
Aquamation, also called water cremation or flameless cremation, is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis — a process that uses heated water and alkali instead of fire to reduce a body to bone ash. It uses far less energy than flame cremation and is legal in a growing number of US states.
The body is placed in a chamber with water and potassium hydroxide, gently heated under pressure for several hours. What remains is soft bone that is dried and processed into a white ash returned to the family, much like flame cremation.
Families often choose aquamation for its lower energy use and gentler process. Availability varies, so check whether a licensed provider offers it in your state.
Related terms
Alkaline hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, is a process that reduces a body to bone fragments using heated water and an alkali instead of flame. The bone is then dried and processed into ash-like remains returned to the family.
Cremation
Cremation is the use of intense heat to reduce a body to bone fragments, which are then processed into cremated remains and returned to the family. It is an alternative to burial and can be paired with a funeral, a memorial, or no service at all.
Cremains
Cremains is a common term for cremated remains — the bone fragments left after cremation, processed into a coarse, sandy material. They are returned to the family and can be kept in an urn, buried, scattered, or placed in a niche.
Common questions about Aquamation
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.