The spelling of the word "azygoid" is not immediately clear based on its pronunciation. This is because it is a relatively uncommon and specialized term used in anatomy to describe a small bone in the spine. The word is pronounced /əˈzaɪɡɔɪd/ (uh-ZIE-goyd), with the emphasis on the second syllable. Its spelling is derived from the Greek roots "a-" meaning "without," "zygos" meaning "yoke," and "-oid" meaning "like." Thus, "azygoid" refers to a bone that is "without a yoke-like shape."