Free Climbing: Definition, Techniques, and History

Question
is it currently acurate/popular to define free climbing both as ropeless ascent of what could otherwise be considered a multi pitch wall; as well as some trad climbers' ascertion that this refers exculsively to protected ascents where no aids are used?  

Answer
Free Climbing technically is any climb where "aid" or using equipment specifically to help ascend  is not used.

Using any and all equipment for safety but ascending using only hands and feet is free climbing.

Climbing without ropes or other protection on any climb is called Free Soloing.

Soloing call also be done with ropes.  There is a lot of confusion out there as climbers continue to tweek the venacular of climbing.  

Hope this helps

Jeff