The spelling of the word "ASTROPH" is unique and may seem challenging at first glance. It is spelled A-S-T-R-O-P-H and pronounced as /ˈæstrəˌf/. The first syllable "AS" is pronounced as "æs" followed by the "TROPH" which is pronounced as "trəf". The sound "O" is replaced by "U" in this spelling. "ASTROPH" is a word used to describe the process of the transformation of pollen grains into pollenkitt, which is a gluey substance.