Glossary

At-Need
Arrangements for immediate need due to the imminent or actual death of a loved one.

Columbarium
A structure divided into chambers called niches for the interment of cremated remains.

Cremated Remains
That part of the human body remaining after the cremation process.

Crypt
A chamber in a mausoleum of sufficient size to inter a casket containing human remains.

Entombment
The interment of human remains in a crypt.

Grave
A space of ground that is used or intended to be used for interment of human remains.

Human Remains
The body of the deceased person.

Interment
The permanent disposition of remains by entombment, burial or placement in a niche.

Inurnment
The placement of cremated remains into a columbarium niche.

Marker
A memorial set flush with the ground.

Mausoleum
A structure divided into chambers called crypts for above-ground entombment.

Memorial
An inscribed granite or bronze commemorative placed on an upright monument, lawn level marker or crypt for the purpose of identification and memory of the deceased.

Monument
A memorial which extends above the surface of the ground.

Niche
A space in a columbarium used for placement of cremated remains.

Outer container
A vault or liner into which a casket is placed at burial to prevent the grave from sinking or collapsing over time. Catholic Cemeteries require the use of an outer container.

Opening/Closing
The fee charged by the cemetery to accomplish the burial. Services include record keeping, excavating the grave, set-up of graveside equipment, closing the grave, cemetery attendants and equipment costs.

Plot
Right of interment in a space or spaces as recorded on the cemetery records.

Pre-Need
Arrangements made in advance of need.

Right of Interment
The right to inter the remains of one decedent in a grave, crypt or niche.