The word "excorticates" is spelled with the letter "x" and pronounced as /ɛksˈkɔːtɪkeɪts/. The "x" in this word represents the "ks" sound. Meanwhile, the "c" is pronounced as "k" and the "t" is pronounced as "t". The suffix "-ates" is added to the end of the root word "excorticate" to form the present tense verb. "Excorticate" means to strip off bark or skin. This word may not be commonly used, but knowing its correct spelling and pronunciation can improve one's vocabulary.