Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ossuaries
noun
/ˈɒs.ju.ər.iz/
Definition
A container or vault for the bones of dead people.
Examples
- The Catacombs of Paris are famous for their ossuaries that hold the remains of over six million people.
- Many ancient cultures utilized ossuaries to accommodate their dead when grave space became scarce.
- Visitors to the historic site learned about the different types of ossuaries used throughout history.
Meaning
Ossuaries are often used to store human skeletal remains, particularly when burial space is limited.
Synonyms
- bone receptacle
- skeleton vault
- charnel house
