Pronunciation: [wɒst mɪdˈe͡ə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the phrase "wast midair" is actually "waste midair." Its pronunciation is /weɪst mɪd-ɛər/. The first word, "waste," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the "t" is pronounced. The second word, "midair," is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the emphasis on the first syllable. This phrase means to be in the middle of flight or movement, often used in the context of an object being thrown or dropped.
The phrase "wast midair" does not have an established etymology. It appears to be a combination of two separate words, "wast" and "midair", which have distinct origins.
1. "Wast": The word "wast" is an antiquated form of the past tense of the verb "be" in the second person singular (singular form of "were"). Its etymology traces back to Old English, where it was spelled "wǣre" or "wǣrest". Over time, it changed to "was" in Modern English.
2. "Midair": The word "midair" is a compound of "mid" meaning "in the middle of" or "amidst" and "air" referring to the gaseous substance surrounding the Earth.
