The word "teretous" is spelled with a "t-e-r-e-t-o-u-s" using IPA phonetic transcription /təˈritəs/. It is an adjective that describes something that is long and cylindrical without any edges. Think of a smooth wooden dowel or a tapered rod. The "ter-" prefix comes from the Greek word for "long" or "extended," while "tos" is a suffix indicating physical orientation. The spelling follows English language conventions, with the silent "e" and emphasis on the second syllable.