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Glossary A

Above-ground burials

Burials in which the casket or urn is placed above ground, often in a mausoleum or columbarium.

  1. Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  2. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  3. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)
  4. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)

Acceptance

The process of coming to terms with and embracing a difficult or challenging situation.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  2. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  3. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  5. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT)

A type of therapy that helps individuals accept difficult emotions and commit to taking action towards their values and goals.

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

Accessibility

The ease of access or availability of resources, information, or services to individuals with disabilities or limitations.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  2. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  3. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  4. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  5. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)

Accuracy and completeness of information

The degree to which information is correct and comprehensive.

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

Achievements and accomplishments

Personal or professional successes and accomplishments.

  1. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  2. What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Acknowledging achievements and contributions

Recognizing and honoring a deceased person’s accomplishments and contributions to their community or society.

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

Actin and myosin filaments

Proteins that are involved in muscle contraction and movement.

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

Active decay stage

The stage of decomposition in which the body begins to break down and release gases.

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

Active listening

A communication technique that involves fully focusing on and understanding the speaker’s message.

  1. How Can I Develop My Grief Counseling Skills Through Active Listening? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  2. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  3. What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  4. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  6. What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  7. What Are The Best Career Paths For Morticians? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Advance directives

Legal documents that outline an individual’s wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care.

  1. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  2. Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  3. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  4. Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  5. Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
  6. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Aesthetics

The visual appearance and design of caskets, urns, and other funeral-related items.

  1. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
  2. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  3. Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)
  4. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)

Aftercare Support

Services provided to families and loved ones after a funeral or memorial service, including grief counseling and support groups.

  1. Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)

Aftercare support resources available for grieving families

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

Aftercare support services

Services provided to the family members of a deceased person after the funeral or memorial service, such as grief counseling or support groups.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)

Afterlife beliefs

Beliefs about what happens to a person’s soul or spirit after death, which may vary across cultures and religions.

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

Air pollution

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  2. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)

Air scattering

The scattering of cremated remains into the air, often as part of a memorial service.

  1. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)

Alkaline hydrolysis

  1. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  2. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)

Altered states of consciousness

A change in the normal functioning of the brain, resulting in altered perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)

Alternative methods for preserving or preparing a body for cremation

Methods other than embalming that can be used to prepare a deceased person’s body for cremation, such as refrigeration or dry ice.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)

Alternative methods of disposition

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

Ambrotype process

A photographic process used in the 19th century to create a positive image on a glass plate.

  1. Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)

Ammonia accumulation

The buildup of ammonia in the body, which can be toxic and lead to health problems.

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

Anaerobic metabolism

The process by which cells produce energy without the use of oxygen.

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

Analytical chemistry

The branch of chemistry that focuses on the identification and quantification of chemical compounds and elements.

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

Anatomy and physiology

The study of the structure and function of living organisms, including humans and animals.

  1. How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  2. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  3. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. How Do I Obtain Embalming Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  6. How Can I Gain Clinical Experience as a Mortuary Technician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  7. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  8. What Resources Are Available to Help Pass Professional Examinations for Embalming Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  9. How Can I Gain Professional Experience for Embalming Certification? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  10. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  11. What Are The Best Career Paths For Morticians? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Ancestor veneration

The practice of honoring and respecting deceased ancestors, often through rituals and offerings.

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

Ancestral veneration

The practice of honoring and remembering one’s ancestors, often through rituals or ceremonies.

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

Anger

A strong emotion characterized by feelings of hostility, frustration, and irritation.

  1. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  2. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  3. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)

Animal health

The overall well-being and condition of animals, including their physical, mental, and emotional health.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Animal health monitoring

The process of observing and assessing the health of animals, including pets and livestock.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Animal pathology

The study of diseases and conditions that affect animals, including those used in mortuary science.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Animal welfare

The ethical treatment of animals used in mortuary science, such as for research or education.

  1. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)

Anointing of the Sick

A religious sacrament in which a priest anoints a sick or dying person with oil and offers prayers for healing.

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

Anthropology examination

The study of human remains to determine identity, cause of death, and other information.

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

Anticipatory grief

The grief experienced before the actual death of a loved one.

  1. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  2. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  3. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Aquamation (water cremation)

A method of cremation that uses water and alkaline solutions instead of fire.

  1. Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)

Arranging funeral services

The process of planning and organizing funeral services for a deceased individual.

  1. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  2. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Arterial injection

The injection of embalming fluid into the arterial system of the deceased.

  1. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  2. How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  3. How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)

Art Therapy

A form of therapy that uses art-making to promote emotional healing and self-expression.

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

Ashes

See “Ashes or Cremated Remains.”

  1. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  2. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  3. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  4. Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  5. Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  6. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  7. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  8. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  9. How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  10. Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  11. Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
  12. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
  13. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  14. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)
  15. What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  16. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  17. Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  18. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  19. What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  20. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  21. Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
  22. Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  23. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Ashes disposal

The process of disposing of a deceased body’s ashes.

  1. Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)

Ashes Disposition

The final resting place or method of disposal of a deceased body’s ashes.

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

Ashes from cremation

The remains of a deceased body after cremation.

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

Ashes or cremains

See “Ashes or Cremated Remains.”

  1. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)

Ashes storage

The storage of a deceased person’s ashes in an urn or other container.

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

Ash scattering

The act of scattering a deceased body’s ashes.

  1. Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  2. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  3. Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)

Ash scattering ceremony

A ceremony held to scatter a deceased body’s ashes.

  1. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  2. Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  3. Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)

Ash scattering laws

Laws and regulations regarding the scattering of a deceased person’s ashes.

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

Asset protection

Measures taken to protect the assets and property of a funeral home or mortician.

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

ATP depletion

The depletion of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that provides energy to cells, in deceased bodies.

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

Attention

The act of focusing on and attending to specific tasks and details during funeral arrangements.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  2. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  3. How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  4. Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  5. Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  6. Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)

Attention to detail

The ability to notice and attend to small details in funeral arrangements.

  1. Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  2. How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  3. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  4. How Much Do Morticians Make? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  5. Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  6. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  7. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  8. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  9. What Are The Best Career Paths For Morticians? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Authorization form

A legal document that grants permission for funeral arrangements and disposition of remains.

  1. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Autolysis

The breakdown of cells and tissues in a deceased body due to the release of digestive enzymes.

  1. Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
  2. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)
  3. How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Autolysis Reaction

The process of self-digestion of cells and tissues after death.

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

Autopsy

Autopsy report – A document that provides information about the cause, manner, time, date, and place of death after an autopsy.

  1. What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  2. Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)
  3. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  4. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  5. What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  6. Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  7. What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  8. Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  9. How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  10. How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  11. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  12. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  13. Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  14. Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  15. What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Autopsy/Post-Mortem Examination

Autopsy Report – A document that provides information about the cause, manner, time, date, and place of death after an autopsy.

  1. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)

Autopsy Procedures

Autopsy – A medical examination performed on a deceased individual to determine the cause of death.

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

Autopsy process

Autopsy- Examination performed on a corpse to determine cause (s)of death.

  1. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  2. What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)

Autopsy report

Autopsy Procedures – The specific techniques and methods used during an autopsy to examine the body.

  1. Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  2. What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  3. How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  4. Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  5. What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  6. Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)

Avoidance behaviors

Autopsy/Post-Mortem Examination – A medical examination performed on a deceased individual to determine the cause of death.

  1. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)

Awareness

Avoidance behaviors – Coping mechanisms where individuals avoid confronting their grief and loss.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  2. Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  3. How Can I Increase My Undertaker’s Earnings? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  4. How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  5. How Can I Make More Money as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  6. Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  7. How Can I Gain Professional Experience for Embalming Certification? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
  8. How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  9. What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
  10. Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)

Awareness discrepancy

Awareness – Understanding and knowledge of grief and loss.

  1. Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)