What is the term for a structure used to hold cremated remains, often found in mausoleums?

The correct answer is the term "columbarium." A columbarium is specifically designed to house cremated remains in niches or compartments. These structures are often part of mausoleums and serve as a dignified resting place for ashes, allowing families and friends to visit and commemorate their loved ones. The term is derived from the Latin word "columba," meaning dove, which is linked to the idea of nesting, as ashes are placed in these niches much like doves in a dove cote.

A vault typically refers to a burial container that is used to protect a casket in the ground and is not specifically designed for cremated remains. A tombstone is a marker placed at a grave to identify and commemorate the deceased, while a cemetery is the overall location where the remains of individuals are interred, either through burial or cremation. These terms, while related to burial and memorial practices, do not specifically refer to structures meant for holding cremated remains like the columbarium does.