cremains en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
- /kɹɪˈmeɪnz/
Etymology
Blend of cremated + remains. Apparently originally a euphemism used by undertakers.
Meanings
-
(plural, plural-only) Cremated remains of a deceased person.
Some people prefer to keep the cremains in their homes in a special place.
1992, Kathleen Sublette, Martin Flagg, Final Celebrations: A Guide for Personal and Family Funeral Planning, page 52:Because of these remaining bone fragments, the cremains must be pulverized to a grainy powder before any scattering of ashes.
2010, Norman L. Cantor, After We Die: The Life and Times of the Human Cadaver, page 111:Paul's cremains arrived by limo service less than an hour before the living room memorial.
2009, Mugan Sozan Peter Schellin, Rogue Monk: A Memoir about Zen, Disability, and Work, page 93: