Battery university seems to define "type" more in terms of dimensions.
**broken link removed**
My device takes an A, AA C and D cell.
If I asked for transistor type, you might get "NPN silicon transistor" not necessarily a 2n3904 for an answer. It depends on context.
1. I need a battery for my flash light
2 responds: What kind?
1 responds: AA
2 responds: NiCad, alkaline, carbon Zinc?
Confusing Engrish.
Not much. Food for thought? Assume makes an A$$-U-Me, so it doesn;t hurt to ask.