The spelling of the word "Cheatom" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "Chea" is pronounced as /'tʃiːə/, with a "ch" sound followed by a long "e" sound and a schwa sound. The second syllable "tom" is pronounced as /tɒm/, with a short "o" sound and a "t" sound. Therefore, "Cheatom" is spelled as it is pronounced, with four distinct sounds in two syllables.