ossuary

noun

os·​su·​ary ˈä-shə-ˌwer-ē 

-syə-,

-sə-

plural ossuaries

: a depository for the bones of the dead

Examples of ossuary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Small stone receptacles used for secondary burials, known as ossuaries, will be on display as well. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 22 Nov. 2024

The ossuary remained inaccessible from the late 16th century until the middle of the 20th, when the Church of San Pablo underwent a major renovation and cupolas were added to replace the original wooden roof. —Franz Lidz Meghan Dhaliwal, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2023

Among them is the ossuary where six million Parisians find their resting place. —Ingrid Rojas Contreras, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2023

The forest is also the site of several memorials, including a cemetery with over 16,000 graves and an ossuary filled with the remains of soldiers on both sides of the battle. —Katherine Kornei, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ossuarium, from Latin, neuter of ossuarius of bones, from Old Latin ossua, plural of oss-, os

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above