Subject: What is a single phase electric motor and how does it work?

I am conducting my own research of electric motor when I came accross the 
term "single phase" electric motor. Till now, I am unable to find any 
explanation on it from the web. My own research is focused on designing a 
non-alternating current of a DC motor so that more wire loop could be fit 
in to produce higher output, but unsure if it is the same as "single phase" 

Re: What is a single phase electric motor and how does it work?