To burn a dead body to ashes as a method of disposing of remains.
From Latin 'cremare' (to burn), which comes from Sanskrit 'krnati' (to burn). The practice and word entered English in the 1800s as cremation became a more common alternative to burial.
Cremation has ancient roots in Hindu and Buddhist practice, but Western acceptance of it only happened in the 1800s because the Christian church historically opposed it, showing how words for practices spread when religious and cultural attitudes change.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.