Correct spelling for the English word "inhabitances" is [ɪnhˈabɪtənsɪz], [ɪnhˈabɪtənsɪz], [ɪ_n_h_ˈa_b_ɪ_t_ə_n_s_ɪ_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
The word "inhabitances" does not have its own distinct etymology, as it is derived from the noun "inhabitant". The term "inhabitant" comes from the Latin word "inhabitans", which is the present participle of the verb "inhabitare". This Latin verb is composed of the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and the verb "habitare" (meaning "to dwell" or "to live"). Over time, "inhabitans" evolved into "inhabitant" in English, referring to a person who resides or occupies a particular place. The term "inhabitances" is derived from "inhabitants" by adding the common English noun suffix "-ance", which denotes a state, quality, or result. Therefore, "inhabitances" refers to the state or collective condition of being inhabitants.