When both 8048 and 8051 were introduced, the databooks, etc, referred to them as single-chip microcomputers, in order to differentiate between them an the then popular microprocessors, which were part of multichip circuits to which one referred as microcomputers.

Yes, microcontroller has become the term of choice, and it is, in fact, probably more appropriate given the common use of those devices. It's a sensible evolution of terms.

RE