cre·ma·tion \krēˈmāshən, krə̇ˈ-\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin cremation-, crematio, from crematus + -ion-, -io -ion 1.: the act or practice of cremating the dead 2.: the destruction of records or documents (as expired bonds or coupons) by fire < watch the cremation of a batch of canceled securities — New Yorker >