Reinterred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reinterred

[ˌriːɪnˈtɜːrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

burial again

Reinterred refers to the act of burying a body again, especially after it has been exhumed. This term is often used in contexts involving proper reburial procedures, legal requirements, or cultural practices surrounding death and burial.

Synonyms

entombed again, interred again, reburied.

Examples of usage

  • The remains were reinterred in a new cemetery.
  • After the renovations, the soldiers were reinterred with honors.
  • Due to the findings, the archaeologists decided to have the artifacts reinterred.
  • Following the identification of the remains, the family reinterred their loved one.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Reinterment often reflects changing cultural ties, such as moving remains to a family plot or cultural heritage site.
  • It can symbolize closure for families, allowing them to honor their loved ones in a new or more meaningful context.

Historical Context

  • Famous figures, such as General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, were reinterred in more prominent locations to honor their legacies.
  • Reinterment practices have evolved over centuries, often tied to war memorials and the need to recognize historical events.

Legal Aspects

  • Reinterment can require legal permits, especially when human remains are involved, to respect local laws and family wishes.
  • In some cultures, exhuming and reinterring remains is a traditional practice tied to honoring ancestors.

Science & Forensics

  • In forensic science, reinterring can sometimes reveal important information about historical burials and cause-of-death analyses.
  • Archaeologists often study reinterred remains to learn about past cultures, burial practices, and societal norms.

Origin of 'reinterred'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'interrare,' meaning to bury, combined with 're-' indicating repetition.
  • The prefix 're-' is used in many English words to denote doing something again, such as reread or rebuild.

The word 'reinterred' is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the verb 'inter', which comes from the Latin 'interrare', meaning 'to bury'. The Latin root is formed from 'in-' (in, within) and 'terra' (earth), suggesting the act of placing something in the ground. The usage of reinterred suggests a second or multiple instances of this action, typically after an initial burial has occurred. The term is often associated with archaeological practices, wherein remains might be reburied after study, or in cultural contexts, where historical figures or loved ones are given a proper resting place. The concept is not limited to human remains but can also apply to artifacts and historical items that require respectful handling once their initial burial or placement has been disturbed.