ectometer

English

Etymology

From ecto- +‎ -meter; likely coined to describe the "psychokinetic energy detector" from the 1984 movie Ghostbusters.

Noun

ectometer (plural ectometers)

1. A device designed to detect ghosts.
   • 1995 02, Web Games, Keith Bailey, Web of Stars, →ISBN:

     This handheld ectoplasmic scanning device was developed to detect spirit activity within an area. It has a location map to pinpoint a spirit's location and an ectometer to determine density of trace matter and spirit strength

   • 2011 October 6, Justin Evans, The White Devil: 'An intelligent, bristling ghost story with a stunning sense of place', Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl, Hachette UK, →ISBN:

     I can't go about with an ectometer, scanning for murder scenes and Lord Byron's lost socks.

   • 2012 August 7, F. J. Lennon, Devil's Gate: A Kane Pryce Novel, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN, page 113:

     I rub my finger around the rim of the goblet until it hums its menacing tone. I tune the ectometer and find Karl quickly this time.