title: What exactly is a C pointer if not a memory address?
body: <p>In a reputable source about C, the following information is given after discussing the <code>&amp;</code> operator:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>... It's a bit unfortunate that the terminology <em>[address of]</em> remains, because it confuses those who don't know what addresses are about, and misleads those who do: thinking about pointers as if they were addresses usually leads to grief...</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Other materials I have read (from equally reputable sources, I would say) have always unabashedly referred to pointers and the <code>&amp;</code> operator as giving memory addresses. <strong>I would love to keep searching for the actuality of the matter, but it is kind of difficult when reputable sources KIND OF disagree.</strong></p>
  
  <p>Now I am slightly confused--what <em>exactly</em> is a pointer, then, if not a memory address? </p>
  
  <p><strong>P.S.</strong></p>
  
  <p>The author later says: <em>...I will continue to use the term 'address of' though, because to invent a different one</em> [term] <em>would be even worse.</em></p>