/nee ot"euh riz'euhm/ , n.
1. an innovation in language, as a new word, term, or expression.
2. the use of new words, terms, or expressions.
[ 1870-75; neoterismós an attempt to change, equiv. to neoter ( ízein ) to make innovations (see NEOTERIZE) + -ismos -ISM ]
Syn. 1, 2. neologism.