Esperluette is the French word for the ampersand (&) symbol, which signifies 'and'. This typographical character, emerging in Roman times, represents a combination of the letters E and T, correlating with the Latin 'et'. Often referred to as 'et commercial', it has a lineage reaching back to the 15th century, with the modern design credited to Claude Garamond. Despite myths, the term ampersand is not associated with physicist André-Marie Ampère, but likely derives from Occitan phrases meaning 'it's for the 'and'.
The symbol dates back to Roman times - its first known use is on a papyrus from 45CE. The French for 'and' is taken from the Latin - et.
Interestingly, the symbol has evolved over the centuries. The first recognizably modern form was developed by Claude Garamond in the 15th century for use in printing presses.
Why do I need to know Esperluette? Because it's the French for a very common symbol in language that isn't l'arobase.
Sadly, contrary to popular belief, ampersand was not named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère. It is not 'Ampère's and', no matter how much we may want it to be.
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