ectoplasm

ec·to·plasm  (kt-plzm)

n.

1. Biology The outer portion of the continuous phase of cytoplasm of a cell, sometimes distinguishable as a somewhat rigid, gelled layer beneath the cell membrane.

2.

a. The visible substance believed to emanate from the body of a spiritualistic medium during communication with the dead.

b. An immaterial or ethereal substance, especially the transparent corporeal presence of a spirit or ghost.

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ecto·plasmic adj.

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ectoplasm

Noun

(in spiritualism) the substance that supposedly is emitted from the body of a medium during a trance [Greek ektos outside + plasma something moulded]

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ectoplasm

the outer part of the cytoplasm of a cell. Cf. endoplasm. — ectoplasmic, adj.

See also: Cells

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	ectoplasm - (spiritualism) a substance supposed to emanate from the body of the medium during a trance spiritualism - the belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium) emanation - something that is emitted or radiated (as a gas or an odor or a light, etc.)
	2.	ectoplasm - the outer granule-free layer of cytoplasm cytol, cytoplasm - the protoplasm of a cell excluding the nucleus; is full of proteins that control cell metabolism