Ectoplasm (paranormal)

In spiritualism, ectoplasm, also known as simply ecto, is a substance or spiritual energy "exteriorized" by physical mediums. It was coined in 1894 by psychical researcher Charles Richet. The parapsychological term is also found in popular culture; however, there is currently no scientific evidence that ectoplasm exists. Some purported examples have been exposed as hoaxes fashioned from cheesecloth, gauze or other natural substances.

The term comes from the Ancient Greek words ἐκτός ektos, "outside" and πλάσμα plasma, "something formed".