What does the term "cremate" refer to in the context of funeral practice?

The term "cremate" specifically refers to the process of incinerating human remains at high temperatures, resulting in the reduction of the body to bone fragments. This method is a form of final disposition that involves the combustion of the remains, effectively turning them into ashes that can then be collected. This process differs significantly from other methods of handling human remains, such as burial, which involves interment in the ground, or embalming, which focuses on preserving the body for viewing or funeral services. Additionally, entombment in a mausoleum entails placing the remains in a sealed structure rather than incinerating them. Understanding the precise meaning of "cremate" is vital in funeral practice, as it delineates the specific procedures and legal considerations associated with cremation.