From the various definitions of neologism, we can clearly see these scholars share a common understanding for the fundamental feature of neologism. In this paper, the writer holds that words with fresh meanings should also be viewed as neologisms since their new meanings can denote new concepts, things or phenomena. Based on this understanding, we can summarize the main characteristics of Chinese neologisms (1) A Chinese neologism should be newly created. It is entering or has already entered the general Chinese vocabulary. (2) An old word with new sense or usage should also be classified as a neologism. (3) A Chinese neologism should be still in use now, it may be oral or written and it can be understood and has been accepted and used in certain field.
汉英新词的翻译原则与方法(3):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_18481.html