Q:

Is there a difference between "symmetric algorithms" and "symmetric ciphers" within the context of cryptography?

Is there a difference between "symmetric algorithms" and "symmetric ciphers" within the context of cryptography?  In reading some security exam prep material, the author seems inconsistent when referring to those terms. 
Examples of sites using the term "symmetric algorithm": 

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/encryption2.htm
https://stackoverflow.com/a/273709/344780 

I thought that "ciphers" were algorithms specifically used for performing encryption or decryption (as per wikipedia).  
What is the proper terminology to use when referring to (or grouping) things like DES, 3DES, Blowfish, IDEA, MARS, etc? 
Can I use the terms "symmetric algorithms" and "symmetric ciphers" interchangeably? 
(Sorry if this question is a bit pedantic -- beyond just studying for the exam, I want to ensure I'm communicating properly when referring to the concepts).  

A:

A cipher is in fact a type of algorithm, so that's why you see the confusing verbiage. Often a cipher is referred to as 'cipher algorithm,' and for purposes of brevity the term 'cipher' has been oft-used.  However, using simply 'algorithm,' while also succinct; is less clear and explicit.
For usage in Standard Written English, I believe 'symmetric cipher' is a more accurate term, as a 'symmetric algorithm' infers the fact it is a cipher/cryptopgrahic algorithm, but is not explicit in this reference (and, is rather, implicit) -- a 'symmetric algorithm' could theoretically also refer to algorithms not associated with cryptography. 
For reference, here's the first sentence of the Wikipedia article for cipher:

In cryptography, a cipher (or cypher) is an algorithm for performing
  encryption or decryption—a series of well-defined steps that can be
  followed as a procedure.

