The spelling of the word "wast contiguous" may seem confusing at first glance, but it can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. "Wast" is pronounced /wɑːst/, with the "a" sound as in "father" and the "t" pronounced. "Contiguous" is pronounced /kənˈtɪɡjuəs/, with the first syllable rhyming with "gun" and the "g" pronounced as a "j" sound. Overall, the phrase means "was contiguous" or "used to be contiguous," with "contiguous" meaning "touching or sharing a border."