Crematories are facilities used to incinerate human or animal remains following death. Synonyms for the word "crematories" include cremation chambers, funeral pyres, incinerators, and crematoriums. Cremation chambers are enclosed areas where the body is fully exposed to heat and flames, reducing it to ashes. Funeral pyres involve burning the body on an open fire, much like in traditional Hindu rituals. Incinerators refer to any device that converts waste materials to ash through burning. Crematoriums are larger facilities that house cremation chambers, usually in a funeral home or other such setting. Regardless of the specific term used, all refer to the process of reducing human or animal remains to ash through intense heat.