Ectoplasmatic

/ˌɛktəplæzˈmætɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing or relating to ectoplasm, the outer layer of cytoplasm in a cell, or the hypothetical material that spiritualists claimed mediums produced.

Etymology

From 'ectoplasm' (Greek 'ekto-' outside + 'plasma' molten substance) + '-ic.' A dual-purpose term in both cell biology and discredited spiritualism.

Kelly Says

In the early 1900s, spiritualists claimed mediums could produce 'ectoplasmatic' substances during séances, but scientists proved it was all cheating—though the biological term for cell layers stuck around!

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