Ectoplasm (paranormal)

Ectoplasm (from Greek ektos 'outside' and plasma 'something formed or molded') is a term used in Spiritualism to denote a substance or spiritual energy "exteriorized" by physical mediums. It was coined in 1894 by psychical researcher Charles Richet. Although the term is widespread in popular culture, there is no scientific evidence that ectoplasm exists and many purported examples were exposed as hoaxes fashioned from cheesecloth, gauze or other natural substances.