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Exhumed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exhumed

[ɪɡˈzjuːm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal, medical

Exhumed refers to the act of digging up or removing a body from the place of burial. This is typically done for legal reasons, such as in the case of a murder investigation or for scientific research.

Synonyms

dig up, disinter, unearth.

Examples of usage

  • The detective ordered the body to be exhumed for further investigation.
  • The researchers exhumed the remains to conduct DNA tests.
  • In some cultures, exhumation is practiced for ritualistic purposes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Exhumation is sometimes necessary in criminal investigations if new evidence arises that could change the understanding of a case.
  • Certain jurisdictions require a court order for exhumation, reflecting the legal and ethical considerations of disturbing a grave.
  • It is also used in cases where remains may need to be moved for reasons like construction or preservation of burial sites.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have practices around exhuming bodies for reburial in more sacred or appropriate locations.
  • In some traditions, exhumation is celebrated as a way to honor ancestors or to obtain closure for families.
  • The act is often depicted in literature and art, symbolizing the search for truth, revelation, or mystery.

Science

  • Anthropologists may exhumed remains to learn about past communities, their health, diet, and even social structures.
  • The process can provide deep insights into historical pandemics or changes in agriculture over centuries based on the analysis of bones.
  • Forensic scientists use exhumation to help solve crimes, applying techniques to gather information from the remains.

Pop Culture

  • Exhumation themes appear in horror films and novels, often relating to investigations of the supernatural or the reawakening of past evils.
  • The term is occasionally used metaphorically in music and literature to express themes of bringing past issues to light.
  • Notable animated shows have humorously referenced exhumations when character plotlines involve dark or absurd elements.

Origin of 'exhumed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'exhumare', meaning 'to remove from the ground', where 'ex-' means 'out of' and 'humus' means 'soil'.
  • In English, the term has been used since the 17th century, mainly in a legal context to refer to the excavation of graves.
  • The practice of exhumation has historical roots, often tied to legal disputes over property or inheritance.

The word 'exhumed' originates from the Latin word 'exhumare', which means 'to dig out of the ground'. It is a combination of 'ex-', meaning 'out of', and 'humus', which means 'soil' or 'ground'. The term began to be used in English around the early 19th century. Initially, it was commonly associated with archaeological practices, where ancient remains were unearthed for study and examination. Over time, the use of the term expanded into legal contexts, particularly when referring to forensic investigations where bodies are exhumed to gather evidence or clarify cause of death. The practice of exhumation can be complex, often requiring legal permissions and careful handling due to the sensitivity of the remains and the potential implications for the deceased's family.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,482, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.