Glossary T
Taboos surrounding death and dying
Cultural beliefs and practices that are considered inappropriate or disrespectful in relation to death and dying.
Taphonomy
The study of the processes that affect the decomposition of organisms after death.
Taphonomy study
The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized.
Task switching ability
The capacity to switch between different tasks efficiently.
Taxable estate
The portion of a deceased person’s estate that is subject to taxation.
Tax-efficient gifting strategies
Methods for minimizing tax liability when giving gifts to others.
Techniques
Methods used in the preparation and presentation of the deceased for funeral services.
Teletherapy
A form of therapy provided remotely through technology.
Temperature control
The regulation of temperature in the preparation room to ensure proper preservation of the deceased.
Temperature control in the viewing room
Techniques used to regulate the temperature in the room where the deceased is being viewed.
Temperature effects on rigor mortis onset and duration
The impact of temperature on the stiffness of the body after death.
Temporary Container/Keepsake Urn/Pendant Necklace/Memorial Jewelry
Various options for holding cremated remains before final disposition.
Tenancy by the entirety
A form of joint ownership of property between married couples.
Terminal Illnesses
Diseases that are expected to result in death within a short period of time.
Terminology
The specific language and vocabulary used in the mortuary industry.
Terracotta
A type of clay used to make urns and other funeral-related items.
Testamentary capacity
The mental ability required by law for creating a valid will.
Testamentary capacity/sound mind – mental ability required by law for creating valid wills; includes understanding nature & extent of one’s assets, knowing natural objects/beneficiaries, comprehending effect/significance/ramifications etc
The mental ability required by law for creating a valid will.
Thanatology
The study of death and dying.
Therapeutic interventions
Actions taken by a therapist to promote healing or well-being.
Therapeutic relationship
The relationship between a therapist and a client, based on trust and mutual respect.
Therapeutic techniques
Methods used to promote healing or well-being.
The role of family members in selecting funeral fabrics
The involvement of family members in selecting fabrics for the deceased’s burial.
The role of morticians in the process
The responsibilities and duties of morticians in the funeral process.
Time constraints for viewing arrangements
The amount of time available for viewing the deceased before the funeral service.
Timeframe for completion
The period of time during which a task or project must be completed.
Time frame for filing documents
The period of time during which legal documents must be filed.
Timeframe of mourning
The period of time during which a person mourns the loss of a loved one.
Time management
The process of organizing and prioritizing tasks to make the most efficient use of time.
Timing and scheduling of pallbearer duties
The process of coordinating the timing and scheduling of pallbearers for a funeral.
Timing considerations
The factors that affect the timing of funeral services and other related events.
Tintype process
A photographic process used in the 19th century to create a small, durable image on a metal plate.
Tissue dissection
The process of cutting and separating tissues for analysis or testing.
Tissue fixation
The process of preserving tissues for analysis or testing.
Tissue fixation agents
Chemicals used to preserve tissues for analysis or testing.
Tissue gas removal
The process of removing gases from tissues to prevent decomposition.
Tissue morphology
The study of the structure and form of tissues.
Tissue preservation
The process of preserving tissue samples for future use.
Tissue Samples
Small pieces of tissue taken for analysis or testing.
Tissue sampling
The process of taking a small sample of tissue for analysis or testing.
Tomb
A burial chamber or structure used to house the deceased.
Tomb construction standards
Standards for the construction of tombs and mausoleums.
Tombstones
Markers placed on graves to identify the deceased.
Toxicological analysis
The process of analyzing bodily fluids or tissues for the presence of drugs or toxins.
Toxicology
The study of the effects of drugs and toxins on living organisms.
Toxicology Report
A document that summarizes the results of a toxicology screening.
Toxicology screening
The process of testing bodily fluids or tissues for the presence of drugs or toxins.
Toxicology testing
The analysis of bodily fluids or tissues to determine the presence of drugs or other toxic substances.
Trace evidence collection
The collection of physical evidence from a deceased person to aid in investigations.
Tradition
A long-established custom or belief that is passed down from generation to generation.
Traditional attire for funerals
Clothing traditionally worn by mourners and funeral attendees.
Traditional burial
A burial that follows traditional customs and practices.
Traditional cremation
The process of cremating a deceased individual without any additional services or ceremonies.
Traditional Customs
Traditional funeral practices and customs.
Traditional dress codes for mourners
Guidelines for appropriate attire for mourners at funerals.
Traditional funeral
A funeral service that follows traditional customs and practices.
Traditional funeral customs
Customs and rituals that are commonly practiced at funerals.
Traditional funeral flower colors (white, pink, red) and their meanings
The symbolic meanings of flower colors commonly used in traditional funeral services.
Traditional funeral home services
Services provided by a funeral home for traditional funeral services.
Traditional funeral practices
Customs and practices commonly observed in traditional funeral services.
Traditional funeral products
Products commonly used in traditional funeral services, such as caskets and urns.
Traditional funeral service
A funeral service that follows traditional customs and practices.
Traditional materials used for shrouds and palls
Materials traditionally used to cover the deceased during a funeral service.
Traditional mourning attire
Clothing traditionally worn by mourners at funerals.
Traditional practices
Customs and rituals that have been passed down through generations in the funeral industry.
Training and certification requirements for funeral directors
Education and licensing requirements for those in the funeral industry.
Training or instruction provided to pallbearers
The guidance and instruction provided to pallbearers on their role during the funeral service.
Training requirements
The education and training necessary to become a mortician.
Transfer of ownership
The legal transfer of ownership of property or assets from one party to another.
Transportation arrangements
The planning and coordination of transportation for the deceased and funeral attendees.
Transportation arrangements for casket and pallbearers
The planning and coordination of transportation for the casket and pallbearers during the funeral service.
Transportation charges
The costs associated with transporting the deceased individual to various locations.
Transportation Needs
The transportation requirements for the deceased individual, such as from the place of death to the funeral home.
Transportation of the deceased
The process of moving the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home or cemetery.
Transportation Services
Services that provide transportation of the deceased to the funeral home or cemetery.
Transportation to and from funeral home/venue
Methods of transporting the deceased to and from the funeral home or venue.
Trauma
A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
Trauma analysis
The process of examining the impact of trauma on an individual or community.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
A type of therapy that helps individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences.
Trauma-focused therapy
A type of therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Trauma-informed care
A care approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on individuals.
Trauma recovery
The process of healing and moving forward after experiencing a traumatic event.
Traumatic events
Experiences that cause significant emotional distress and can lead to long-term psychological effects.
Traumatic grief
A type of grief that occurs after a sudden or violent death, often requiring specialized counseling.
Traumatic loss
The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one due to a traumatic event.
Treatment planning
The process of developing a plan for the care and treatment of the deceased.
Tree trimming and removal
The removal or trimming of trees near burial sites to prevent damage.
Tribute
A speech or written statement honoring the deceased.
Tribute gifts
Gifts given in memory of a deceased individual, often to a charity or organization.
Trocar instrument
A sharp, pointed surgical instrument used to puncture the abdomen during embalming.
Trust administration
The management of assets held in trust for the benefit of others.
Trustee
Transfer of remains – The process of moving the body or cremated remains from one location to another, such as from a hospital to a funeral home.
Trusts
Unclaimed remains – The remains of a deceased person that have not been claimed by family or friends.
Trusts as an estate planning tool
Trustee – The person or institution responsible for managing a trust and distributing assets according to the wishes of the deceased.