Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which of these symbols is called an "ampersand"?"
The ampersand (&) is a punctuation mark that represents the word "and". Its origins trace back to ancient Rome, where it evolved from the Latin word et, meaning "and." The term "ampersand" itself emerged in the 19th century from the phrase “and per se and,” which was traditionally recited by English-speaking schoolchildren at the end of the alphabet as a way to include the symbol. Over centuries, this practical character has become a widely recognized and visually appealing typographical mark, used in everything from literature to branding.