cremation

[ kri-mey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of reducing a dead body to ashes by fire, especially as a funeral rite:

   The others in the family want to have a private cremation, followed by a memorial service where we scatter the ashes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cremation¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin cremātiōn-, stem of cremātiō; cremate ( def ), -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

In 2021, Williams voted yes on a measure that would require a funeral or cremation of abortion remains.

From Salon

In Texas, the county subject to the NBC investigation changed its policy to provide burial or cremation for unclaimed bodies.

From Salon

Each burial or cremation can cost thousands of dollars, and the new policy in a single Texas county, for example, will cost it $675,000 a year.

From Salon

The Law Commission - an independent body which reviews legislation in England and Wales - says current burial and cremation laws are out of date and "unsuitable for the modern world".

From BBC

Commissioner for property, family and trust law, Professor Nick Hopkins, acknowledged that the proposals must be dealt with "sensitively and with wider public support", but the plans "provide a significant opportunity to reform burial and cremation law for future generations".

From BBC

Related Words

• incineration