Pronunciation: [ɛɡzjˈuːm] (IPA) 
Exhume is a verb that means to dig up (a corpse) from the ground. The spelling of exhume follows the conventional English spelling rules, with the "ex-" prefix meaning "out of" or "from," and the "-hume" suffix related to "humus," referring to soil or earth. The word is pronounced as ɪɡˈzjuːm, with the stress on the second syllable, and the "h" is silent.
Exhume is a verb that refers to the act of digging up or removing something from a grave or burying place, particularly a dead body. The process of exhumation involves unearthing or excavating the buried remains for various reasons, such as investigation, identification, relocation, or legal purposes.
Typically, exhumation occurs when there is a need for further examination of the deceased, which can include conducting autopsies, forensic analyses, or genetic testing, especially in cases where the cause of death is uncertain or suspicious. Exhumations may also be conducted with the objective of relocating a person's remains to a different grave or burial site, often as a result of family decisions or official requests.
The exhumation process usually involves the use of specialized tools and equipment, performed by trained professionals such as forensic pathologists, archaeologists, or funeral directors. It is vital that exhumations adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, as they involve sensitive and often emotional matters. Regulations and requirements for exhumations can vary among jurisdictions, and may require specific permits from relevant authorities.
The word "exhume" is derived from the Latin term "exhumare," where "ex" is a prefix meaning "out of" and "humare" means "burial" or "to bury." Its usage can extend beyond literal disinterment, metaphorically referring to the act of uncovering or revealing something that has been hidden or forgotten.
To dig up what has been buried; to disinter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word exhume comes from the Latin term exhumare, which is derived from the prefix ex- meaning out or from and the verb humus meaning the ground or soil. Therefore, exhume literally means to take out of the ground or to dig up.
