New words – 6 January 2014

MPL abbreviation Modular Prosthetic Limb: an artificial hand and arm with 26 joints and 17 tiny motors that is controlled by the user’s muscles

But the MPL’s sophisticated movements are limited to the level of technology available for interfacing with the body’s nervous system.

[Smithsonian (US science and society magazine) September 2013]

novel coronavirus noun a virus that causes a severe respiratory illness known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

A hospital statement said: ‘Guy’s and St Thomas’ can confirm that the patient with severe respiratory illness due to novel coronavirus (MERS-nCV) sadly died on Friday 28 June, after his condition deteriorated despite every effort and full supportive treatment.

[www.bbc.co.uk 04 July 2013]

second impact syndrome noun death as a result of two instances of concussion sustained in a short space of time

Parents’ agony as rugby player son, 14, dies from ‘second impact syndrome’ after playing on for 25 minutes following heavy collision

[www.dailymail.co.uk (title of article) 03 September 2012]

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