PIMS Cremation Glossary

Question 1

when cremated remains are cast from a private plane

Answer 1

aerial scattering

Question 2

an unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed wood, composition materials (with or without an outside covering) or like materials

Answer 2

alternative container

Question 3

the person(s) with the paramount right to authorize (ex: spouse, next of kin, etc.)

Answer 3

authorizing agent

Question 4

releasing cremated remains to the wind

Answer 4

casting (scattering)

Question 5

a structure, room or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains

Answer 5

columbarium

Question 6

disposing of cremated remains in a manner or location that combines the cremated remains with the cremated remains of another individual

Answer 6

commingling

Question 7

a container used to hold the deceased which is constructed out of a type of cardboard, which is made with a series of alternate folds and ridges

Answer 7

corrugated container

Question 8

all remains of the cremated human body recovered after the completion of the cremation process, including pulverization

Answer 8

cremated remains

Question 9

an environmentally safe casket which is designed for encasing dead human remains for cremation

Answer 9

cremation casket

Question 10

the total mechanical unit for the cremation process (CANA definition.); retort designed specifically for the incineration of human remains (NFDA definition); the burning chamber in a crematory (original ABFSE definition)

Answer 10

cremator

Question 11

disposition of human remains by cremation, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present

Answer 11

direct cremation

Question 12

the attention reasonably expected from, and ordinarily exercised by, a person who seeks to satisfy a legal requirement or to discharge an obligation

Answer 12

due diligence

Question 13

the act of placing cremated remains in an urn (CANA definition); act of placing cremated remains in a niche or grave

Answer 13

inurnment

Question 14

funeral rites without the body present

Answer 14

memorial service

Question 15

degree to which light is reduced when viewed through a smoke plume; visible emissions. EPA identifies testing methods; state limits vary

Answer 15

opacity

Question 16

receptacle for communal placement of cremated remains

Answer 16

ossuary

Question 17

a leak resistant zippered bag designed to contain a dead human body and body fluids and is used mainly for the removal of dead human remains from the place of death

Answer 17

pouch

Question 18

reduction of identifiable bone fragments after the completion of the cremation by manual or mechanical means and reducing to granulated particles

Answer 18

processing / pulverization

Question 19

pouring cremated human remains onto the ground and working into the soil or garden

Answer 19

raking

Question 20

receptacle for cremated remains usually made of cardboard, plastic or similar materials designed to hold the cremated remains until an urn or other permanent container is acquired or other disposition is made

Answer 20

temporary container

Question 21

crematory operated by an entity other than the funeral home or funeral provider who contracted with the family of the deceased

Answer 21

third party crematory

Question 22

family representative(s) are present for the initiation of the cremation process

Answer 22

witnessing of cremation