That @ symbol

[dcoles]

I learned as a kid to read "3 packages @ $1 = $3," which was spoken as follows:
"three packages at one dollar each equals three dollars."
So the @ symbol included both "at" and "each" in its meaning - otherwise, it would have been spoken, "three packages at one dollar equals three dollars." 
My question is, is there such a thing as a 'phrasal' symbol? I've always just called @ the at/each thing.
Also, to Jennifer Lyons - I'm with you on the "approximately" or "about" peeve!
Cheers,
Devon Coles 
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