What is a crematory?

The term "crematory" refers specifically to a building designed for the process of cremation, which is the procedure of reducing a deceased body to ashes through high-temperature burning. This facility typically contains specialized equipment, such as cremation ovens, that allow for the safe and efficient cremation of human remains.

In this context, understanding what a crematory does is essential. It serves not only as the physical location where cremation is carried out but also as a space that handles the logistics associated with this practice, often providing bereaved families with a place for reflection and farewell prior to the cremation process.

For clarity, while a structure for storing ashes could be related to cremation, it doesn’t encompass the primary function of a crematory, which is cremation itself. A memorial service is a separate event organized to honor and remember the deceased, and burial rituals typically take place at gravesites, which do not involve cremation. Thus, the definition of a crematory is clearly encapsulated in the understanding of it as a building dedicated to cremating bodies.