What is the term for the remains of a human after cremation?

The term "cremains" specifically refers to the remains of a human body after the cremation process. It is a portmanteau of "cremated" and "remains," and is widely used in the funeral service industry to describe what is left after the body has been subjected to high heat and reduced to its basic elements. This term is preferred in many contexts because it carries a more respectful connotation compared to simpler terms like "ashes."

While "ashes" may colloquially be used, it does not accurately capture the full range of what remains, as cremains include both fine particles and larger bone fragments that have been pulverized. "Cremated remains" is also a correct descriptor, but "cremains" is the more concise, commonly accepted term within the industry. Similarly, "bone fragments" describes only a portion of the remains and doesn’t encompass the entirety of what is produced through cremation, which also includes the finer particulate matter. Thus, "cremains" is the most suitable and widely accepted term for the remains following cremation.