What is the term used for the remains after cremation?

The term "ashes" is commonly used to refer to the remains after cremation, reflecting the fine, powdery substance that results from the combustion of the body. During the cremation process, the intense heat reduces organic materials to ash, which typically consists of mineral remnants alongside very small bone fragments.

While "bone fragments" and "residue" can describe aspects of what is left post-cremation, "ashes" is the most widely accepted and specific term for the final products collected after the cremation process. "Bone fragments" may include larger pieces that may not have been entirely reduced during the cremation, and "residue" is a broader term that does not specifically identify the remains in the context of cremation. Therefore, "ashes" is the most accurate and precise term to describe these remains, reflecting common usage and understanding in societal practices surrounding cremation.