rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryexhumationDigging up remains
noun

exhumation

eks-hyoo-MAY-shun/ˌekshjuːˈmeɪʃn/

The act of digging up something buried, especially a body.

The forensic team's exhumation brings the buried coffin out of the ground.

Forensic team carefully lifts intact coffin from ground, respectful no exposed corpse.
Etymology
exLatinout of
+humLatinto bury
+ationLatinact or process

The pieces describe the act of taking something out of burial. Since humare “to bury” comes from humus “earth,” the word preserves the image of bringing a body back out of the ground.

In context

Pictures&More450:42
mere burial would not be enough for an exhumation would discover the fraud
The D'Arblay Mystery by R. Austin Freeman | Detective Fiction | Audiobook

More examples

  • The family requests the exhumation of their grandfather's remains.
  • Heavy rain delays the scheduled exhumation.
  • The cemetery keeps records of all exhumations.

Forms

exhumation · exhumations

exhume verb — To dig up something previously buried.

Similar words

disinterment
Specifically emphasizes removing a body from its grave.
excavation
Covers digging and removing earth, not necessarily uncovering remains.