ectoplasm

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“
This stuff, solid enough to enable one to touch and to photograph, has been called the ectoplasm.

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun 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. noun The visible substance believed to emanate from the body of a spiritualistic medium during communication with the dead.
  3. noun An immaterial or ethereal substance, especially the transparent corporeal presence of a spirit or ghost.

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Examples (50)

  • In the right mouth the right Barbarick word will explode the Boy into tiny bits of bouncing ectoplasm, or shatter the air as though it were made of ice, or turn the moon into a tulip. —  FSF, July 2006
  • Even if we become glowing clouds of ectoplasm, there's going to be something that we're competing for—and most of us will feel like we're getting screwed. —  Asimov'sSF,August2008
  • The smell of rotting ectoplasm, dying human cells, and the Headmaster's cloying reek warred with the smoky fragrance of demon. —  Lilith Saintcrow - [Dante Valentine 2] - Dead Man Rising
  • The tide of blood mixed with the ectoplasm, and I smelled the reek of released bowels. —  Lilith Saintcrow - [Dante Valentine 2] - Dead Man Rising
  • Only then can her “ectoplasm,” which nourishes him, flow into him unimpeded. —  StrangeHorizons,July2002
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This word has been looked up 109 times.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from Greek ἐκτός, without, + πλάσμα, a thing formed, from πλάσσ, σ1ειν, form.
 

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/ˈɛktəplæzm/
by American Heritage

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