1. A hypothetical force or fluid once believed by some to permeate all matter and account for various phenomena such as magnetism and mesmerism.
Usage: archaic; pseudoscience; also spelled 'od' or 'ode'

Examples

• In the 19th century, some scientists theorized that odyl was responsible for magnetic attraction.
• The concept of odyl was eventually discredited as scientific understanding advanced.
• Mesmerists claimed that odyl could be transferred between individuals to produce healing effects.
• Modern physics has no place for the notion of odyl in explaining natural phenomena.