What does the term "cremation" mean?

The term "cremation" specifically refers to the process of reducing a body to ashes using high heat. This involves the use of a cremation chamber where temperatures can reach between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, effectively breaking down the organic material of the body. The end result is a fine, granular ash, which is often referred to as cremains.

This definition emphasizes that cremation is a method of final disposition of human remains, distinct from other processes such as burial or embalming. In contrast, preparing a body for burial involves various practices that ensure the body is ready for interment, and a memorial service is designed to honor the deceased without the physical handling of the body. Furthermore, a legal procedure to certify death pertains to the documentation and declaration of death, which is unrelated to the act of cremation itself. Thus, the correct choice provides an accurate understanding of what the term “cremation” encompasses in the context of funeral practices.