Glossary M
Mahogany
A type of wood commonly used for caskets and other funeral-related items.
Maintaining facilities, equipment, and inventory
Ensuring that all equipment and inventory necessary for funeral services are properly maintained and stocked.
Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements – The necessary upkeep and cleaning tasks required to maintain a funeral home or cemetery.
Maintenance and upkeep of cemetery grounds and grave markers
Regular maintenance and upkeep of the physical grounds of a cemetery, including landscaping and repairs to grave markers.
Maintenance obligations for graves and tombs
The responsibilities of the cemetery and the family for maintaining the gravesite or tomb.
Maintenance of remembrance stones
Regular cleaning and upkeep of headstones and grave markers in a cemetery.
Maintenance of surrounding areas
The upkeep and care of the cemetery grounds, including landscaping and cleaning.
Maintenance requirements
The ongoing upkeep and maintenance required for cemetery grounds, mausoleums, and other funeral-related structures.
Maladaptive coping mechanisms
Unhealthy or ineffective ways of coping with stress and grief, often exhibited by morticians due to the emotional demands of their job.
Managing funeral expenses and payment options
The process of budgeting for and paying for funeral expenses, often including options such as payment plans and funeral insurance.
Managing pre-need arrangements for future funerals
The process of making funeral arrangements in advance, often to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and to ease the burden on surviving family members.
Manner of Death
The circumstances surrounding a person’s death, such as natural causes, accident, suicide, or homicide, often determined by a medical examiner or coroner.
Marble
A material commonly used in headstones and monuments.
Markers
A small, flat stone or plaque used to mark a grave or burial site.
Material choices for burial site markers
The different materials available for headstones and grave markers, often including granite, marble, and bronze.
Material options
The different materials available for caskets, urns, and other funeral-related items, often including wood, metal, and various types of stone.
Mausoleum
A large, above-ground structure used to hold multiple crypts or niches for the interment of deceased persons.
Mausoleum- A building housing tombs above ground
Mausoleum – A building housing tombs above ground, typically used for the interment of multiple individuals.
Mausoleum crypt
A small room or chamber within a mausoleum used to hold a deceased person’s remains.
Mausoleum crypt plate
A metal or stone plate placed on the front of a mausoleum crypt to display the name and dates of the deceased.
Mausoleum entombment
The practice of placing a deceased person’s remains in a crypt or niche within a mausoleum, often used as an alternative to burial.
Meaningful quotes or sayings
Quotes or sayings that hold special meaning to the deceased or their family.
Medical certification
The process of certifying a death as natural or unnatural, often performed by a medical examiner or coroner.
Medical conditions of the deceased
The medical conditions that the deceased had prior to their passing.
Medical decision-making capacity
The ability of a person to make informed decisions about their medical care, often used by morticians to determine the deceased’s wishes for funeral arrangements.
Medical devices removal
The process of removing medical devices such as pacemakers or artificial joints from a deceased person before embalming or cremation.
Medical Examiner
A medical professional responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause and manner of death, often working for a government agency.
Medical examiner/coroner
A medical professional responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause and manner of death, often working for a government agency.
Medical examiner/coroner’s office
A government agency responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause and manner of death, often headed by a medical examiner or coroner.
Medical examiner or coroner fees
Medical examiner or coroner fees – Fees charged by a medical examiner or coroner for their services in determining the cause of death.
Medical examiner system
The network of medical examiner and coroner offices across the United States responsible for investigating deaths and determining the cause and manner of death.
Medical History
A record of a person’s medical conditions, treatments, and medications, often used by morticians to understand the deceased’s health and potential complications during embalming.
Medical Investigation
The process of examining a deceased person to determine the cause and manner of death, often performed by a medical examiner or coroner.
Medical jurisprudence
The study of legal principles and rules related to medical practice, including issues such as malpractice and informed consent.
Medicolegal investigation
The process of investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or suspicious, often involving collaboration between medical and legal professionals.
Meditation
A practice of focusing the mind and achieving a state of calm and relaxation, often used by morticians to cope with the emotional demands of their job.
Mementos
Objects kept as a reminder of the deceased, often with sentimental value.
Memorial bench
A bench placed in a cemetery or memorial garden to honor and remember a loved one.
Memorial benches, plaques, and bricks
Memorial benches, plaques, and bricks – Benches, plaques, and bricks used to commemorate a person or event.
Memorial books or cards
Memorial books or cards – Books or cards created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony
A ceremony where candles are lit in memory of the deceased.
Memorial Donation/Fundraiser
Memorial donation/fundraiser – A donation or fundraiser created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial garden
Memorial garden – A garden created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorialization
Memorialization – The act of creating a lasting tribute to honor the memory of a loved one.
Memorialization alternatives to traditional burials
Memorialization alternatives to traditional burials – Alternative methods of memorialization that do not involve traditional burials.
Memorialization Choices
Memorialization choices – The decisions made regarding how a person will be memorialized.
Memorialization Choices Overview
An overview of the various ways to honor and remember the deceased, such as monuments, plaques, and online memorials.
Memorialization options
Memorialization options – The different ways in which a person can be memorialized.
Memorialization options review
Memorialization options review – A review of the different options available for memorialization.
Memorialization plaques
Memorialization plaques – A plaque used to commemorate a person or event.
Memorialization practices
Customs and traditions surrounding memorialization.
Memorialization- Process creating permanent tribute honoring life lived by individual who has passed away
Memorialization – The process of creating a permanent tribute to honor the life of an individual who has passed away.
Memorialization remembrance ceremony
Memorialization remembrance ceremony – A ceremony held to honor and remember a loved one who has passed away.
Memorialization rituals
Customs and traditions used to honor and remember a deceased person.
Memorializing the deceased
Honoring and remembering the deceased through various means.
Memorializing the deceased with customized urns
Urns that are designed specifically for the deceased and their family.
Memorial jewelry
Memorial jewelry – Jewelry created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial keepsakes
Objects kept as a reminder of the deceased.
Memorial marker types
Memorial marker types – The different types of markers used to commemorate a person or event.
Memorial park
Memorial park – A park created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial plaques
Plaques used to commemorate the deceased.
Memorial Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
A ceremony where a plaque is unveiled in memory of the deceased.
Memorial Portrait
A portrait of the deceased used in memorialization.
Memorial service
Memorial service – A ceremony held to honor and remember a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial service – A ceremony held after someone’s death without having their physical presence (body) present there
Memorial service – A ceremony held after someone’s death without having their physical presence (body) present there.
Memorial Service – Ceremony held in honor/memory/remembrance of someone who has passed away, often held after cremation
Memorial service – A ceremony held in honor, memory, and remembrance of someone who has passed away, often held after cremation.
Memorial service expenses (if applicable)
Costs associated with a memorial service.
Memorial service options
Memorial service options – The different options available for a memorial service.
Memorial service planning
Memorial service planning – The process of planning a memorial service to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial statue
Memorial statue – A statue created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memorial Tableau
A display of photographs or personal items in memory of the deceased.
Memorial Tree Planting Ceremony
A ceremony where a tree is planted in memory of the deceased.
Memorial trees
Trees planted in memory of the deceased.
Memorial Tribute
Memorial tribute – A tribute created to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Memory
Memory – The ability to store and retrieve information over time.
Memory encoding
Memory encoding – The process of transforming information into a form that can be stored in memory.
Memory tree
Memory tree – A tree planted in memory of a loved one, often used as a living memorial.
Mental fatigue
A state of exhaustion or burnout caused by prolonged mental activity or stress.
Mental state
The emotional and psychological state of a person, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Mental state divergence
A condition in which a person’s mental state deviates from the norm, such as in cases of mental illness or trauma.
Metal
A material commonly used in caskets and urns.
Metal grave liner
A protective container made of metal that surrounds the casket and prevents the ground from collapsing.
Microbiology
The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Microbiology culture
The process of growing and studying microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, in a laboratory setting.
Microscopic examination
The use of microscopes to examine tissues and cells for signs of disease or injury.
Mindfulness
The practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction.
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
Techniques used to help individuals cope with grief and loss.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
A type of therapy that uses mindfulness practices to reduce stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness practices
Activities that promote mindfulness, such as journaling and gratitude exercises, to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Mindfulness techniques
Practices that promote mindfulness, such as deep breathing and body scanning, to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Minimum requirements for casket protection
Standards for the durability and strength of caskets to ensure proper preservation of the deceased.
Modernization of funeral fabric choices
The use of contemporary materials and designs for funeral clothing and accessories.
Molecular biology techniques
Laboratory methods used to study the structure and function of biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins.
Molecular diagnostics
The use of genetic testing and other techniques to identify diseases and conditions at the molecular level.
Monitoring and surveillance
The use of technology and other methods to monitor funeral home operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
Monument
A permanent marker or memorial placed at a gravesite or other location to honor the deceased.
Monument types
Different types of memorials, such as headstones, plaques, and statues.
Mortality rates
The number of deaths in a given population over a specific period of time.
Mortician
A professional who prepares bodies for burial or cremation and arranges funeral services.
Mortician Code of Ethics
The ethical standards and principles that guide the behavior of morticians, including honesty, integrity, and compassion.
Mortician Duties
The responsibilities of a mortician, including preparing bodies for burial or cremation, arranging funeral services, and providing grief support to families.
Mortician/embalmer
A professional who prepares the deceased for burial or cremation.
Mortician/Undertaker/Funeral Director
A professional who provides funeral services, including embalming, cremation, and burial arrangements.
Mortuary
A place where dead bodies are prepared for burial or cremation.
Mortuary education
Formal education and training in the field of mortuary science and funeral services.
Mortuary equipment
Tools and machinery used in the funeral industry, such as embalming machines, cremation ovens, and hearses.
Mortuary facility
A building or location where funeral services are provided, including preparation rooms, chapels, and viewing areas.
Mortuary funeral home
A facility that provides funeral services, including embalming, cremation, and burial arrangements.
Mortuary law
The legal regulations and requirements governing the funeral industry, including licensing and consumer protection laws.
Mortuary merchandise options
Products and services offered by a funeral home, such as caskets, urns, and memorial items.
Mortuary photography
Photographs taken of the deceased in a mortuary setting.
Mortuary science
The process by which muscles relax and become less stiff after death.
Mortuary science explanation
The study and practice of funeral and burial services, including embalming, cremation, and memorialization.
Mortuary Science Graduate
An explanation of the principles and practices of mortuary science.
Mortuary science monuments
A person who has completed a degree or program in mortuary science.
Mortuary science options
Monuments or memorials created by mortuary science professionals.
Mortuary services
The different areas of study and career paths available in the field of mortuary science.
Mortuary temple
Services provided by a funeral home or mortuary, such as embalming or cremation.
Mourning
A temple or building used for funeral or burial ceremonies.
Mourning Artifacts
Objects used in mourning rituals and ceremonies.
Mourning Attire
Clothing worn by mourners during funeral services and other mourning rituals.
Mourning attire and etiquette
Appropriate clothing and behavior during mourning.
Mourning clothing and accessories
Clothing and accessories worn during mourning.
Mourning culture
Customs and traditions surrounding mourning and grief.
Mourning customs
Traditions and customs associated with mourning, such as wearing black clothing.
Mourning jewelry
Jewelry worn to commemorate the deceased.
Mourning Period
The time period following the death of a loved one where mourning and grieving takes place.
Mourning practices
Customs and traditions associated with grieving and mourning the loss of a loved one.
Mourning process
The natural process of grieving and coming to terms with loss.
Mourning rituals
The process of grieving and honoring the dead.
Mummification
The cultural or religious practices that are performed to honor the dead and comfort the living.
Muscle relaxation after death
The process of preserving a body by drying it out and treating it with chemicals.
Muscles contracting and becoming rigid
The stiffness that occurs in muscles after death.
Muscle Stiffness
The process by which muscles relax and become less stiff after death.
Music or audiovisual displays during visitation hours
Playing music or displaying videos or photos during visitation hours.
Music selection
The process by which muscles contract and become stiff after death.
Myosin-actin cross-bridges
The choice of music played during a funeral or memorial service.