ectoplasm

American  

[ek-tuh-plaz-uhm] / ˈɛk təˌplæz əm /

noun

1. Biology. the outer portion of the cytoplasm of a cell.

2. Spiritualism. the supposed emanation from the body of a medium.

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ectoplasm British  

/ ˈɛktəʊˌplæzəm /

noun

1. cytology the outer layer of cytoplasm in some cells, esp protozoa, which differs from the inner cytoplasm in being a clear gel See also endoplasm

2. spiritualism the substance supposedly emanating from the body of a medium during trances

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Other Word Forms

• ectoplasmatic
  adjective
• ectoplasmic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ectoplasm

First recorded in 1880–85; ecto- + -plasm

Explanation

Ectoplasm is the very thin, watery outer layer of a cell. Biologists use the word ectoplasm primarily to talk about amoebas. Ectoplasm and endoplasm, or "dense inner section," are found in the tiny cells known as amoebas. An amoeba's movements are a result of the way these inner and outer layers fit together. A much less scientific meaning of ectoplasm is "visible spiritual energy." 19th- and early 20th-century spiritualists claimed that a gauzy ectoplasm formed during trance states, a visual connection between living and spirit worlds. This ectoplasm was often proven to be made of cheesecloth.

Example Sentences

He spoke, in a grave, low tone, of Ectoplasm.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ectoplasm doesn't take up much space when it's folded, but I had opened one anyway, then another, and then called for help.

From The Big Time by Leiber, Fritz

Ectoplasm, ek′to-plasm, n. the exterior protoplasm or sarcode of a cell.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various