What does entombment refer to in funeral practices?

Entombment specifically refers to the practice of placing a deceased person's body in a mausoleum or a tomb. This method involves housing the body within a structure above ground, which can provide protection and preservation over time. Unlike burial, where the body is placed directly into the ground, entombment offers a distinct approach that often involves a more elaborate structure, emphasizing memorialization and the physical presence of the remains.

The other options represent different methods of handling remains: burial involves interring in the earth, scattering refers to dispersing ashes, and composting pertains to the process of converting organic matter into soil, all of which differ fundamentally from the concept of entombment. Thus, the correct answer highlights this unique aspect of funeral practices.