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Glossary L

Laminate

Laminate – A protective coating applied to documents or photographs to preserve them.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)

Landfill waste

The disposal of non-biodegradable funeral waste in landfills.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  2. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)

Landscaping

The maintenance and upkeep of the grounds surrounding a funeral home or cemetery.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Landscaping fees

Fees charged by the cemetery for maintaining the landscaping and grounds.

  1. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)

Land use zoning laws

Regulations that govern the use of land for cemeteries and funeral homes.

  1. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)

Last Rites

Religious or spiritual rituals performed for the deceased before burial or cremation.

  1. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)

Legacy

Legacy – The impact and memory a person leaves behind after they pass away.

  1. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  2. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  3. What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  5. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  6. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  7. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  8. What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  9. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  10. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)

Legacy building

Legacy building – The process of intentionally creating a positive legacy through one’s actions and accomplishments.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Legacy.com

Legacy.com – An online platform for creating and sharing obituaries and memorial pages.

  1. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)

Legacy statement

Legacy statement – A written statement outlining a person’s wishes for their legacy after they pass away.

  1. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)

Legal authority

Legal authority – The power or right to make legal decisions and enforce laws.

  1. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  2. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  3. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)

Legal considerations

Legal considerations – The legal aspects of the funeral industry, including contracts, liability, and compliance with regulations.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)

Legal considerations in end-of-life planning

The legal aspects of planning for end-of-life care and decisions.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)

Legal liability

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Legal notices

Legal notices – Formal written communication from a legal authority to inform someone of their legal rights or obligations.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Legal proceedings

Legal proceedings – The process of resolving legal disputes through the court system.

  1. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)

Legal representation

Legal representation – The act of hiring a lawyer to represent you in legal proceedings.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Legal requirements

The legal requirements and regulations that must be followed in the funeral industry.

  1. Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  2. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  3. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  4. How Can I Find Out About Local Licensing Regulations for Funeral Directors? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  5. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  6. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  7. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  8. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  9. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  10. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  11. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  12. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)
  13. How Can I Make More Money as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  14. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  15. How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  16. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  17. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  18. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  19. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  20. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  21. What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Legal requirements for body disposal

The legal requirements for disposing of a deceased person’s body, including permits and documentation.

  1. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)

Legal requirements for burial or cremation

The legal requirements for disposing of a deceased person’s body, including permits and documentation.

  1. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  2. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  3. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Legal requirements for funerals and burials

The legal requirements for conducting a funeral and burial, including permits and documentation.

  1. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)

Legal requirements related to storing, scattering, burying, or otherwise disposing of ashes

Regulations related to the storage, scattering, burying, or disposing of ashes.

  1. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Liability and legal consequences

The potential legal consequences and responsibilities associated with the handling of a deceased person’s remains.

  1. Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)

Life

The state of being alive.

  1. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  2. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  3. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  4. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  5. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  6. What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  7. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  8. What Are the Best Songs to Play During a Funeral Service? (7 Core Questions Answered)
  9. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  10. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  11. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  12. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)
  13. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  14. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  15. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
  16. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  17. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  18. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  19. Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  20. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  21. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  22. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  23. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  24. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  25. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  26. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  27. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
  28. Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  29. How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  30. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  31. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  32. What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  33. What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  34. What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  35. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  36. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  37. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  38. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  39. How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  40. What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  41. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
  42. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  43. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Life estate

A legal arrangement that allows an individual to use and enjoy a property during their lifetime, with ownership transferring to another party after their death.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Life insurance policy

A contract between an individual and an insurance company that provides financial support to loved ones after the individual’s death.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  3. How Can I Find an Affordable Funeral Home Near Me? (8 Most Common Questions Answered)
  4. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)

Life-sustaining treatment options

Medical treatments that can prolong life, such as ventilators and feeding tubes.

  1. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)

Lifetime gifts and transfers

Gifts or transfers of assets made during an individual’s lifetime.

  1. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)

Lifting and lowering equipment

Machinery used to safely and respectfully move caskets and urns during burial.

  1. Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)

Lighting options for the casket area

Different lighting options for the casket area, such as dim lighting or colored lighting.

  1. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)

Liturgy

  1. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)

Liturgy of the Eucharist

A Catholic funeral service that includes the sacrament of communion.

  1. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)

Liturgy of the Word

A Catholic funeral service that includes readings from the Bible.

  1. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)

Living urns

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Living wills

Legal documents that outline an individual’s wishes for medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  3. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)

Livor Mortis

See above.

  1. Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)

Livor mortis (pooling of blood)

The discoloration of the skin that occurs after death due to the settling of blood in the lower parts of the body.

  1. Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
  2. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  3. How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Location considerations

Factors to consider when choosing a location for a funeral or burial, such as accessibility and proximity to loved ones.

  1. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)

Loss acceptance

The process of accepting the reality of a loved one’s death and moving forward.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Loss adjustment

The process of adjusting to the loss of a loved one and coping with grief.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Loss processing

The process of accepting and processing the emotions associated with loss.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Loved one

A term used to refer to the deceased individual being cared for by the mortician.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  3. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  4. What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  6. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  7. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  8. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  9. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  10. Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
  11. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  12. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)
  13. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  14. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  15. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  16. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  17. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  18. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  19. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  20. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  21. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  22. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  23. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  24. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  25. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
  26. What Are the Best Songs to Play During a Funeral Service? (7 Core Questions Answered)
  27. Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  28. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  29. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  30. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  31. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  32. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  33. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)
  34. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
  35. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  36. How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  37. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  38. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  39. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  40. What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  41. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  42. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  43. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Low-impact production methods

Environmentally-friendly methods for producing funeral products and services.

  1. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)