Definition

A structure that has small spaces or niches to hold urns containing the ashes of people who have been cremated.

Example

The family decided to place their loved one's ashes in a columbarium.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a columbarium up close?

No, I haven't. What is it exactly?

It's a structure with niches for urns containing ashes of the dead.

Oh, that sounds quite interesting and peaceful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Columbarium is formed from "columba" (meaning dove) and the suffix "-arium" (meaning a place for). The word refers to a place for doves, which metaphorically represents a structure for housing urns containing ashes of the deceased, akin to doves being housed in a dovecote.

Memory Tip

Imagine a place where doves are kept ('columba') — that's why a columbarium is a place for holding urns of ashes.

Visually Confused Words