DEFINITIONS

This page contains the definitions and illustrations to many of the terms we frequently use in the funeral industry.

Alternative Container - 
        A non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, designed for the encasement of human remains and made of cardboard, pressed wood, composition material, pouches of canvas or other material. 

Bereaved - 
        To leave in a sad and lonely state, as in death.

Bronze -   
        A metal alloy consisting of 90% copper with tin and sometimes zinc comprising the remaining 10%.

Casket - 
        A container, usually constructed of wood, metal or fiberglass, designed to hold human remains; a case, or receptacle in which human remains are placed for protection, practical utility, and a suitable memory picture; any box or container of one or more parts in which a dead human body is placed prior to interment, entombment or cremation which may or may not  be permanently interred, entombed or cremated with the dead human remains.

Cemetery - 
        An area of ground set aside and dedicated for final disposition of the deceased.

Closed Casket -   
        When the casket is not open for the public to view the deceased. 

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

Common Carrier - 
        one who publicly undertakes to transport from place to place for a stated compensation, the property of any person who may request his services up to the capacity of his facilities. 

Coroner - 
        A public officer whose chief duty is to investigate death when the question of accident, suicide or homicide may be evident or where there was no doctor in attendance.  Also to hold inquests and affix blame and responsibility. 

Cremated Remains - 
        The bone fragments that are commonly referred to as ashes, which are left after cremation. 

Cremation - 
        The reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort or chamber. 

Crematory - 
        A furnace or establishment for the incineration of corpses.

Direct Burial - 
        The immediate burial of a body without any type of funeral service. 

Direct Cremation - 
        The immediate cremation of a body without any type of funeral service.

Embalming -   
        A process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to retard organic decomposition and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. 

Funeral - 
        A ceremony or group of ceremonies held in connection with the burial or cremation of a dead person.

Funeral Director -  
        An individual licensed by a state or states to prepare dead human remains, other than by embalming, for interment or other means of disposition; the person who conducts funeral services and counsels with survivors. 

Funeral Home - 
        A building used for the purpose of embalming, conducting funeral and supplying funeral merchandise. 

General Price List - 
        The GPL lists all the goods and services the funeral home offers, along with the price of each.  The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule
        compels funeral homes to give customers a GPL at the beginning of any discussion of arrangements.

Grave Liner -   
        An outer enclosure, in which the casket is placed, which offers protection from the earth load, after burial,  but without sealing qualities. 

Honorarium -    
        an unsolicited gift, usually an honorary payment for professional services to a clergy member. 

Niche - 
        A recess or space in a columbarium used for the permanent placing of cremated remains. 

Memorial Service -  
        A funeral service conducted in memory of the deceased without the remains being present.  

Procession - 
        The orderly movement of cars following a hearse from the location of a funeral to the cemetery. 

Removal -   
        The moving of the dead human body from the place of death to the funeral home or other designated place. 

Scattering - 
        To throw here and there; sprinkle.

Traditional Service - 
        A funeral service involving a casket, a visitation with the body present, a type of service and disposition of the body. 

Urn - 
        A container for cremated remains; a vase of varying size and shape, usually having a footed base or pedestal.

Vault -    
        An outer enclosure, in which the casket is placed, which offers protection from the earth load, after burial, as well as possessing sealing qualities. 

Visitation - 
        The visiting of the friends and relatives to the residence and/or funeral home to pay respects to the deceased prior to or after the funeral service.

Herman Meyer & Son, PO Box 4052, Louisville, Kentucky 40204 | 502.458.9569 | info@meyerfuneral.com