The spelling of the word "alphos" phonetically is /ˈælfəʊs/. The word is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by "l," which is pronounced as a dark "L" sound, followed by "f," pronounced with a labiodental fricative sound. The "o" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, and the final "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant. The word "alphos" is uncommon in the English language and is derived from the Greek word "alphosis," which means bitterness or sourness.
Psoriasis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.