The correct spelling of "copies" in English is [k'apIz], [k'apIz], [k 'a p I z] (IPA phonetic alphabet). This spelling was adopted from Latin, where it appeared as [c'opIz]. The letter C was used to represent a consonant sound in early Latin. Today, though, "copy" is always spelled with a V and an E. The word "copy" comes from the Latin word copia, meaning "abundance." It is also possible that the English word "copy" came from the French word "copie," which means "repeated action or process." In mathematics, a copy is a representation of some element of information; for example, a photocopy is a duplicate image made by printing an original document. As a noun, "copy" can also mean a person who repeats what others say: a newsboy selling newspapers by shouting out headlines. In British English, "copy" may be spelt [k'epIz] or [k'ePy]. In American English, it is usually spelt [k'apIz]. However, in Australia, "copy" is often spelt [kepy]. The spelling of "copy" varies significantly across languages.