Abstract: This article focuses on a particular type of neologism: the new term coined to
replace an existing term which is no longer felt appropriate because of its connotation,
found to be inadequate by those who use it. This neology — neology of adaptation —,
may be illustrated in the writings of medical experts. This frequently contains references
to terms which they use but which they feel inappropriate, thus giving voice to a feeling of
the necessity of coining a new term. This feeling will be developed in this article, illustrated
by extracts from an ad-hoc corpus drawn from several medical sub-fields. The results of
the analysis shed light on the role of the expert in the coining of new terms and of the
translator whose task it is to render new terms. They also illustrate aspects of connotation
in language for special purposes, and how synonymy can be used in creating new terms.
This latter can be seen, in the medical context, as interface discourse between the medical
practitioner and the patient.
