Early alternating current motors were large in diameter, and relatively flat These have come to be knows as pancakes This term also describes GE fans made from 1884 until 1908
A pancake is a thin, flat, circular piece of cooked batter made from milk, flour, and eggs. Pancakes are often rolled up or folded and eaten hot with a sweet or savoury filling inside. In America, pancakes are usually eaten for breakfast, with butter and maple syrup. flat as a pancake: see flat