Re: Most experiments are performed in labs

[Ludwik Kowalski <KowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Some practical activities, for example, using a word processing
program,  are also referred to as "labs". Why is it so?  Because
they used to be performed mostly in "computer labs" rather
than at home. Why else?

The word "problem" is also used in many contexts. Some of
them have very little in common with what we call problems
in physics. I suppose non-scientists borrow our terminology
to benefit from its use.

Leigh Palmer wrote:

> In university parlance here in Canada "lab" is an alias for "laboratory
> exercise". The slang is apt, I think, as the common pronunciation of the
> much more prolix form has eight syllables here, the first emphasized of
> which is "bore". Our students are taught to appreciate irony. I will add
> that in England (at Cambridge, at least) these exercises are not called
> "labs"; they are called "practicals".