What does the ampersand symbol represent?

The ampersand symbol, which is written as “&”, is widely recognized as a representation of the word “and.” Its origins trace back to the Latin word "et," meaning "and," which combines two words or ideas. In various contexts, it is often used in writing and branding to indicate a connection or partnership between entities, such as in company names or in lists.

The other options do not align with the function of the ampersand. "Or" signifies a choice between alternatives, "plus" represents addition in mathematical terms, and "equals" denotes equality between two expressions. All these meanings differ from the conjunction represented by the ampersand. Thus, its primary association is clearly with the word "and."