Ectoplasm

Ectoplasm is a term originally used in spiritualism to describe a visible, often misty or gel-like substance purportedly appearing during séances, believed to be a materialization of spiritual energy or spirits. In a scientific context, it is sometimes used metaphorically or inaccurately to describe the slimy, cellular material found on the exterior of cells, especially in microscopy. This cellular ectoplasm is a clear, gel-like portion of the cytoplasm that helps maintain cell shape and facilitates movement. While the spiritualist concept is unproven, the scientific use relates to observable biological phenomena.