The spelling of the word "recitress" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /rɛsɪtrəs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'r' is pronounced as a voiced alveolar trill, while the 'e' is pronounced as a short vowel. The 's' in the middle of the word is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative. The '-tress' suffix indicates a female who recites, and is pronounced as /trəs/. While it is not a commonly used word today, it has been historically used to refer to a female reciter or performer.