What is the term used for the process of reducing a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments?

The process of reducing a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments is known as cremation. During cremation, the body is subjected to high temperatures that effectively incinerate organic materials, leaving behind only bone fragments. These fragments are often further processed or pulverized to create ashes, which can then be stored, buried, or scattered according to the wishes of the deceased's family or their cultural practices.

Embalming refers to the treatment of the body with chemicals to preserve it temporarily for viewing or burial, rather than reducing it to ash. Burial and interment both refer to the act of placing a body in the ground or a designated burial site, which does not involve any process of reducing the body to bone fragments; instead, the body is typically laid to rest as is. Thus, cremation is the only process listed that specifically achieves the reduction of a body to bone fragments.