ossuary

ossuary
/;;s.j;.;.ri/

Definition: A container or chamber for the bones of dead people, often used to collect bones after decomposition has occurred in a burial site.

Origin: The term derives from the Latin word "ossuarium," which comes from "os," meaning "bone."

Example: The ancient ossuary was discovered beneath the church, holding the remains of hundreds of individuals.

An ossuary, also known as a bone repository, serves as a dedicated space for the storage of human bones. These structures are often found in historical burial sites, where they collect the skeletal remains after the flesh has decomposed. Ossuaries can be simple containers or elaborate chambers, often marked by inscriptions or symbols. They play a significant role in various cultural and religious practices, allowing communities to honor and remember their dead while managing limited burial space. The existence of ossuaries reflects humanity's enduring relationship with death and the rituals surrounding it.