Glossary D

Glossary D

Daguerreotype process

A legal document issued by authorities certifying the fact, date, and cause of someone’s death.

  • Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  • Death Announcement

    Cytology – The study of cells, including those found in the body after death.

  • Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  • Death awareness

    Death Announcement – The public announcement of a person’s death.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Deathbed Rituals

    The customs and traditions performed by a person or their loved ones in the final moments of life.

  • Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  • Death benefits

    Death awareness – Being aware of the reality and inevitability of death.

  • Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  • Death benefits/insurance claims

    Death benefits – Financial benefits related to death, such as life insurance payouts.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Death Care Industry

    Death benefits/insurance claims – Financial benefits and insurance claims related to death.

  • Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  • Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  • Death care profession

    Death Care Industry – The industry that provides products and services related to death and funerals.

  • Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  • Death Certificate

    Death care profession – The profession of providing care and services related to death and funerals.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  • Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  • Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  • Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  • Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  • Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  • Death Certificate Assistance

    Death Certificate Assistance – Help with obtaining and processing a death certificate.

  • Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  • Death Certificate Coordinator

    Death Certificate Coordinator – A professional who assists with obtaining and processing death certificates.

  • Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  • Death certificate fees

    A plaster or wax cast of the deceased’s face used as a memorial or tribute.

  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Death certificate filing

    Death certificate filing – The act of submitting the necessary paperwork to obtain a death certificate.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Death certificate filing assistance

    Death certificate filing assistance – Help with completing and filing the necessary paperwork to obtain a death certificate.

  • Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  • Death certificate issuance

    Death certificate issuance – The act of officially issuing a death certificate.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Death certificate – legal document issued by authorities certifying the fact, date, and cause of someone’s death

    The fees associated with obtaining a legal document certifying the fact, date, and cause of death.

  • Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  • Death Certificate- Legal document issued by government agency certifying cause and manner death occurred

    Death Certificate – Legal document issued by government agency certifying cause and manner death occurred.

  • Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  • Death Certificate – Official document issued by government authorities certifying cause & time/date/place of death

    Death Certificate – Official document issued by government authorities certifying cause & time/date/place of death.

  • Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  • Death Certificate Processing

    Death Certificate Processing – The steps involved in obtaining and processing a death certificate.

  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  • Death Certificate Requirements

    Death Certificate Requirements – The necessary information and documentation needed to obtain a death certificate.

  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  • Death education

    Death education – Learning about the various aspects of death, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Death investigation

    The process of determining the cause and manner of a person’s death, often conducted by medical examiners or coroners.

  • Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  • Death mask

    Personal items or mementos of the deceased that are displayed or distributed to attendees at the funeral or memorial service.

  • Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  • Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
  • Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  • Death memorabilia

    Photographs or paintings of the deceased used as a memorial or tribute.

  • Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  • Death Notice

    A public announcement of a person’s death, often including biographical information and details about funeral services.

  • Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  • Death Notice/Obituary

    A public announcement of a person’s death, often including biographical information and details about funeral services.

  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Death Notification Assistance

    Services provided to help families notify friends, relatives, and other contacts of a loved one’s death.

  • Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  • Death portraits

    The aesthetic choices made by the family regarding the funeral service, including the choice of casket, flowers, and decor.

  • Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  • Death positivity movement

    A social movement that aims to promote open and honest conversations about death and dying.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Death Preparation

    The planning and preparation for a person’s end-of-life arrangements and funeral services.

  • Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  • Death rituals

    The customs and practices surrounding death and mourning.

  • Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
  • Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
  • Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
  • Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
  • Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  • Death taboos

    The cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death that are considered taboo or forbidden.

  • Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
  • Debts and taxes

    Financial obligations that must be settled after a person’s death, such as outstanding debts and taxes owed.

  • Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  • Deceased

    A person who has died.

  • Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  • Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  • Decedent

    The deceased person.

  • Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  • Decomposition

    The natural process of the body breaking down after death.

  • Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
  • Decomposition inhibitors

    Chemicals or substances used to slow down or prevent the natural process of decomposition.

  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Decomposition Process

    The natural process of the body breaking down after death.

  • Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
  • Decorative Elements

    Ornamental features added to caskets or funeral garments.

  • Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  • Deed of ownership

    A legal document that proves ownership of property or assets.

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

    A false belief or perception that is not based in reality.

  • Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  • Denial

    A coping mechanism where a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation, such as the death of a loved one.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Dental records identification – Forensic method used for identifying human remains based on dental characteristics

    A forensic method used for identifying human remains based on dental characteristics.

  • Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
  • Deodorization – Elimination/removal unpleasant odors associated with decomposition

    The process of eliminating or removing unpleasant odors associated with decomposition.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Depression

    A mental health condition characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Designated beneficiary

    The person or entity named in a will or other legal document to receive the deceased’s assets or property.

  • Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  • Design choices

    The options available for customizing funeral services, such as caskets, urns, and floral arrangements.

  • Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  • Design/Style

    The process of cleaning and sanitizing a deceased body to prevent the spread of disease.

  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

  • Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

    A type of therapy that helps individuals regulate emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.

  • Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
  • Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss

    The emotional struggle that some people experience when faced with the death of a loved one.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Dignified Manner

    Conducting funeral services in a respectful and professional manner, with attention to detail and sensitivity to the needs of the family.

  • Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  • Dignity

    Treating the deceased with respect and honor, regardless of their circumstances or cause of death.

  • Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
  • Direct burial

    A funeral service where the body is buried immediately after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  • Direct cremation

    A funeral service where the body is cremated immediately after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing.

  • Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
  • Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  • Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  • Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  • Direct cremation/burial

    A funeral service where the body is cremated or buried immediately after death, without a traditional funeral service.

  • Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
  • Discharge from duties

    Discharge from duties – The termination of employment or responsibilities.

  • Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  • Disease diagnosis

    Disease diagnosis – The identification of a specific illness or medical condition.

  • Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)
  • Disinfection

    Disinfection – The process of eliminating harmful microorganisms from surfaces.

  • Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  • Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
  • Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
  • Wake vs. Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
  • Disinfection of the body

    The various ways in which a deceased body can be displayed during a funeral or memorial service.

  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Disinfection- Process that eliminates harmful microorganisms from surfaces

    Disinfection – The process of eliminating harmful microorganisms from surfaces.

  • Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
  • Disinterment

    The act of removing a body from its burial place.

  • Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  • Disinterment Procedure

    The process of removing a body from its burial place.

  • Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
  • Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  • Displaying the urn or wearing the cremation jewelry as a keepsake

    The options for showcasing or wearing urns or cremation jewelry as a remembrance.

  • Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  • Display Options

    The fees associated with the embalming process, including the use of chemicals and the preparation of the body.

  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Display options for home or memorial service settings

    The choices for displaying urns or cremation jewelry in a home or memorial service setting.

  • Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  • Disposition of ashes after cremation

    Disposition of ashes after cremation – The final resting place of the deceased’s ashes after cremation.

  • Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  • Disposition of the Body

    Disposition of the Body – The final resting place of the deceased’s body.

  • Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
  • Disposition Permit – A permit issued by local authorities allowing disposition (burial)of human remains within their jurisdiction

    Disposition Permit – A legal permit required for the burial or cremation of human remains.

  • Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
  • Dissimilarities

    Dissimilarities – Differences between two or more things.

  • Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  • Distribution of assets

    Distribution of assets – The process of dividing the deceased’s property and possessions among beneficiaries.

  • Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
  • DNA analysis

    The examination and interpretation of a person’s DNA to determine their genetic traits and characteristics.

  • Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  • DNA testing

    The analysis of a person’s DNA to identify their genetic makeup.

  • Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  • Documentation

    The written records and paperwork related to funeral arrangements and services.

  • Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
  • Document Differences

    Document Differences – Variations in legal documents related to funeral arrangements and estate planning.

  • Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
  • Donations in memory of the deceased

    Donations in memory of the deceased – Contributions made to a charitable organization in honor of the deceased.

  • Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
  • Donations to charity in memory of the deceased

    Donations to charity in memory of the deceased – Contributions made to a charitable organization in honor of the deceased.

  • Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
  • Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders

    Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders – Medical orders that instruct healthcare providers not to perform life-saving measures on the deceased.

  • Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  • Drainage of bodily fluids

    Drainage of bodily fluids – The process of removing bodily fluids from the deceased during embalming.

  • Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
  • Wake vs. Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
  • Drainage system installation and upkeep

    The installation and maintenance of drainage systems to prevent water accumulation in burial sites.

  • Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
  • Drainage tubes

    Drainage tubes – Tubes used to remove bodily fluids from the deceased during embalming.

  • Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
  • Dreaming

    Dreaming – A phenomenon that occurs during sleep where the brain creates images and experiences.

  • Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
  • Dress code for pallbearers

    Dress code for pallbearers – The attire required for those who carry the casket during a funeral service.

  • Wake vs. Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
  • Dressing/Attiring

    Dressing/Attiring – The process of preparing the deceased for viewing or burial.

  • Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
  • Dressing the body

    The process of clothing and grooming a deceased person for viewing or burial.

  • Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
  • Drug overdose

    Drug overdose – A cause of death that occurs when a person takes an excessive amount of drugs.

  • Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
  • Dual process model of coping with loss

    Dual process model of coping with loss – A theory that suggests people alternate between grief and restoration processes when dealing with loss.

  • Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
  • Durability

    The ability of urns or cremation jewelry to withstand wear and tear over time.

  • Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
  • Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
  • Durability and longevity

    Durability and longevity – The ability of a casket or urn to withstand time and elements.

  • Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
  • Durability standards

    Standards for the strength and longevity of caskets and burial liners.

  • Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
  • Durable power of attorney for healthcare

    Durable power of attorney for healthcare – A legal document that designates someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the deceased.

  • Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
  • Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)