Glossary
What is 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.
In flame cremation, the body is placed in a combustible container and exposed to high heat for a few hours. The remaining bone is cooled and processed into the coarse material families receive.
Cremation can be arranged many ways: a simple direct cremation with no ceremony, or a full service with a viewing beforehand. Costs vary by region and by how much service you add around it.
Cremated remains can be kept, buried, scattered, or placed in a columbarium niche. Some families divide them among relatives or place a portion in keepsake jewelry.
Related terms
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is cremation that takes place soon after death with no viewing, visitation, or ceremony beforehand. It is usually the lowest-cost cremation option, and any memorial the family wants can be held separately, later, and anywhere.
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.
Cremation container
A cremation container is the rigid, combustible container that holds the body during cremation. It is usually a simple wood or cardboard box rather than a casket. The FTC Funeral Rule bars funeral homes from requiring you to buy a casket for cremation.
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.
See also
Common questions about Cremation
Sources
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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.