In the media, definitions are very loose, and change all the time, according to the user. One of the most boring thing about physics is that definitions are very strict, and defined in terms of physics.
We must look at the Alberta Clipper. A lot of media has just shortened this to 'clipper'.
It is formed in a very specific manner, namely there is a burst of Pacific air, coming from a plume, hitting the coast. Only a very few are strong enough to make it over the mountains. If there were no other influences, it would just drift over the continent, giving fine, clear, dry air. This is always our best weather.
In the winter, it may hit cold air descending. Cold air is very dense and wants to make its way to the equator. That's because the Earth is spinning, and fatter at the equator. Water equalizes, so it won't flow, but the air just follows gravity, which has a slight vector to the equator.
As the two air masses collide, the Pacific air is forced down, and both air masses start descending at a 45 degree angle, or in the direction SE. A clipper is known for rapid weather changes. You get the cold air, the warm air, and snow at the boundary. It is generally a horrible mix.
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