What does the term "obituary" mean?

The term "obituary" refers to a notice published about a person's death, typically providing information about the deceased's life, including details such as their accomplishments, family, and funeral arrangements. This public announcement serves to inform the community of the person's passing and often allows friends, family, and acquaintances to pay their respects.

In the context of funeral services, an obituary plays a significant role in honoring the deceased while also helping to bring closure to those affected. It may also serve as a means of sharing important information about memorial services or contributions to charity in the deceased's memory.

While other options cover related aspects of death and mourning, they do not accurately define an obituary. A living tribute does not encapsulate the essence of an obituary, nor does it serve the purpose of informing about a person’s death. Record-keeping of funeral attendees and descriptions of burial customs are important in their own right, but they do not match the specific definition pertaining to an obituary.