What exactly is ectoplasm?

Question

Is it always associated with ghosts?

Answer 1

Ectoplasm (from the Greek ektos, "outside", + plasma, "something formed or molded") is a term coined by Charles Richet to denote a substance or spiritual energy "exteriorized" by physical mediums.[1] Ectoplasm is said to be associated with the formation of ghosts, and hypothesized to be an enabling factor in psychokinesis.



Although the term is widespread in popular culture, the physical existence of ectoplasm is not accepted by mainstream science. Some tested samples purported to be ectoplasm have been found to be various non-paranormal substances, including chiffon and flakes of human skin.[2][3] Other researchers have duplicated, with non-supernatural materials, the photographic effects sometimes said to prove the existence of ectoplasm.[4]



Since its inception in the field of spiritualism, the concept of ectoplasm has escaped to become a staple in popular culture and fictional supernatural lore. Notable examples include Noel Coward's 1941 play Blithe Spirit, and the 1984 film Ghostbusters; in which "ectoplasmic residue" secreted by ghosts is portrayed as viscous, cloudy and greenish-white, similar to nasal mucus, famously referred to in Bill Murray's line, "He slimed me!"

Answer 2

in the 1800s and early 1900s mediums would do seances in the dark with only a candle. Someone would dangle a ball of fuzz over the table on a string attached to a black pole. This was the ghost. To explain what this ball of fuzz was they came up with the story of ectoplasm, which is the material that ghosts can use to form a makeshift body to communicate with our world.

Harry Houdini exposed a lot of these people.

Answer 3

Ectoplasm is the liquid in cells upon which mitochondria swim throughout. Ectoplasm surrounds the cells cytoplasm. Cytoplasm being the inner liquid and Ectoplasm being the outer liquid.



It can be a reference to the movie "Ghost busters".



It is also a good mixed drink.

Answer 4

Ectoplasm is the ghosty equivalent of the slug's trail, except that a slugs are real and they really leave behind trails.

Answer 5

1. The outer side of a jellyfish is lined with a jelly-like material called ectoplasm (ecto meaning outer and plasm meaning living matter)

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectoplasm_(paranormal)

Answer 6

ectoplasm, as it is ghost related, is the stuff they leave behind...its kinda like their soul.