Relic derives from the Latin reliquiae, meaning "remains", and a form of the Latin verb relinquere, to "leave behind, or abandon". A reliquary is a shrine that houses one or more religious relics.

A relic (from Latin: reliquiae meaning 'remains') is a venerated object of religious and/or historical significance, often the human remains of an important religious figure, or a sacred item, carefully preserved as a tangible memorial.