Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 67 entries in this glossary.All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| After Care |
After care programs provide grief support, education, and resources to families affected by a death of a loved one; considered by some to be an altruistic extension of the services a funeral home provides at a time of need. |
| Arrangement Room |
A room where funeral directors meet with families to plan a funeral. |
| Ashes |
See cremated remains. |
| At-need Funeral |
Working with a funeral director after a loved one has died to plan a funeral, especially when a funeral has not been planned in advance. |
| Calling Hours |
See visitation. |
| Casket |
A four-sided container designed to encase human remains; can be constructed of various materials including steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze and/or wood; see also coffin. |
| Chapel |
See state room. |
| Coffin |
Six-sided container designed to encase human remains, usually constructed of wood; see also casket. |
| Columbarium |
A memorial structure where inurned cremated remains are entombed; remains can be placed into private or communal niches. |
| Committal Service |
A funeral service taking place at a cemetery or crematory. |
| Cortege |
A funeral procession. |
| Cremains |
See cremated remains. |
| Cremated Remains |
The remains of a human body after cremation, comprised of ash and bone fragments; the term cremated remains is the preferred term. |
| Cremation |
The reduction of human remains by intense heat and flame to ash and bone fragments. |
| Cremation Casket |
A casket made of a combustible material, designed specifically for cremation; see also cremation container. |