Is it okay to regard a synthesizer as a keyboard?

[Jericho79]

Hey guys.

One of my co-workers owns a Roland Juno-106 and (I think) a microKorg. Those two instruments are straight-up synthesizers.

I understand that the definition of a synthesizer is an instrument that can generate artificial sounds using mathematical algorithms.

However, most recording artists liberally use the terms "synthesizer" and "keyboard" in an interchangeable manner.

I'm sure that most recording artists utilize synthesizers in order to produce their songs. But if you glance at their albums' sleeve notes, the word "keyboards" (rather than "synthesizers") appears more often.

So here's my question-

Is it okay to call a synthesizer (such as the microKorg or the Roland Juno-106) a keyboard?

Thanks guys!

 

[happyrat1]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/synthesizer?r=75&src=ref&ch=dic

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/keyboard?r=75&src=ref&ch=dic

Here you go. I've drawn you a bloody picture. Even the multiple dictionaries at dictionary.com don't all fully agree 100% on the definitions.

For what it's worth if you feel the need to ask this question AGAIN I suggest you google Pierre Boulez or Jean Michel Jarre and email it to them...