> Why should such a word be sought? There are essential
> differences between the two; to coin a single word for both and thus
> collapse and conflate (and thus illicitly erase) these distinctions
> would be a step backwards into confusion.
While we are at it, we should get rid of "fruit" as well. There are 'essential differences" (I'm sure that the essense of fruit changes depending when and who you are) between apples and bananas. To coin a single word for both both and thus collapse and conflate (and thus illicitly erase) these disctintions would be a step backwards into confusion.
(sorry to steal your words)