What is the name of the container used for cremated remains?

The correct term for the container used to hold cremated remains is "urn." An urn is specifically designed to store the ashes of the deceased after cremation and can be made from various materials, including ceramic, metal, wood, or biodegradable substances. Urns come in many shapes and sizes, often personalized or adorned to reflect the individuality of the deceased.

In contrast, a columbarium refers to a structure or a building that contains niches for the inurnment of cremated remains, not the container itself. A niche is an individual compartment within a columbarium where an urn can be placed. Meanwhile, a retort is the actual chamber used in the cremation process where the body is subjected to high temperatures, not where the cremated remains are stored. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "urn" is the most appropriate answer in this context.