Mortuary: meaning, definitions and examples
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mortuary
[ ˈmɔːr.tʃuː.ɛri ]
place of burial
A mortuary is a facility where deceased bodies are prepared for burial or cremation. It is commonly associated with funerals and is often part of a funeral home. The services provided may include embalming, dressing, and casketing the deceased. Mortuaries also provide a space for viewing the body by family and friends. In some cases, they may assist with arrangements and paperwork for the burial or cremation process.
Synonyms
crematory, funeral establishment, funeral home, undertaking parlor.
Examples of usage
- The mortuary has several viewing rooms for grieving families.
- We need to make arrangements with the local mortuary for the service.
- She worked in the mortuary and helped prepare for funerals.
Translations
Translations of the word "mortuary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 morgue
🇮🇳 मॉर्चरी
🇩🇪 Leichenschauhaus
🇮🇩 rumah duka
🇺🇦 морг
🇵🇱 kostnica
🇯🇵 霊安室
🇫🇷 morgue
🇪🇸 morgue
🇹🇷 cenaze evi
🇰🇷 장례식장
🇸🇦 مشرحة
🇨🇿 morg
🇸🇰 morg
🇨🇳 停尸房
🇸🇮 mrliška
🇮🇸 kistuhús
🇰🇿 мортуарий
🇬🇪 მორგი
🇦🇿 morg
🇲🇽 morgue
Etymology
The term 'mortuary' originates from the Latin word 'mors', meaning 'death'. The suffix '-ary' is used to denote a place associated with a particular function. The concept of mortuaries has been present since ancient times, linked closely with the customs surrounding death and burial. Historically, mortuaries were often places of preparation before the body was buried or cremated, reflecting the societal attitudes towards death. These facilities have evolved over the centuries, becoming more institutionally recognized in conjunction with the rise of formalized funeral practices. In the 19th century, the establishment of professional undertakers led to the development of mortuaries as we know them today, providing comprehensive services to assist grieving families.