Cremains is a word used to describe the remaining ashes of a person or animal after they have been cremated. The word is a portmanteau of "cremated" and "remains". The correct spelling of this word is /kriːmeɪnz/ where the /k/ sound at the beginning is followed by the long "e" sound /i:/, then the "m" and "ay" sounds /meɪ/ are stressed, and the word concludes with the nasalized "n" sound /nz/. Cremains is a common term used by funeral homes and crematories.
Cremains, short for "cremated remains," refer to the remains of a deceased person that have undergone the process of cremation. When a person is cremated, their body is exposed to intense heat, typically in a specialized furnace known as a crematorium or a crematory. This heat reduces the body to its basic chemical compounds, mainly bone fragments, through the process of combustion.
Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes and residual bone fragments are collected and placed in a container referred to as an urn. These ashes are what are commonly referred to as cremains. The composition of cremains varies depending on the individual, as the heat of the cremation process may cause the bones to pulverize to different degrees.
Cremation has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional burial in recent years, largely due to factors such as cost, environmental considerations, and personal preferences. Cremains hold sentimental value to many as they symbolize the physical remains of a loved one, enabling individuals to keep them close and incorporate them into memorializing rituals or ceremonies.
The handling and dispersal of cremains can be subject to legal regulations and cultural or religious practices. Different jurisdictions may have specific guidelines related to the scattering, burial, or preservation of cremated remains, and individuals should consult local laws and customs when making decisions regarding cremains.
The word "cremains" is a blend of two words: "cremation" and "remains".
The word "cremation" is derived from the Latin word "cremare", meaning "to burn", which in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ker-" meaning "heat" or "fire".
The word "remains" comes from the Old French word "remaine", which means "what is left behind" or "remnant". It is derived from the Latin word "remanere", where "re-" means "again" and "manere" means "to stay" or "to remain".
So, when combined, "cremains" refers to the ashes or remains left behind after the process of cremation.