phalanx
UK: ˈfælæŋks | US: ˈfeɪlæŋks
n. 1. A group of soldiers or police officers standing or moving in close formation.
n. 2. (Anatomy) Any of the bones of the fingers or toes.
n. 3. (Historical) A military formation used in ancient Greece, consisting of a dense block of heavily armed infantry.
phalanx = phal<line of battle> + anx<noun suffix>
- phal (from Greek phalang-, meaning "line of battle" or "compact body of troops")
- anx (a noun-forming suffix in Greek, often denoting a collective or structured group)
Etymology Origin:
The word phalanx originates from Ancient Greek φάλαγξ (phalanks), which referred to a tightly packed military formation. Over time, its meaning expanded to include anatomical structures (finger/toe bones) due to their linear arrangement resembling soldiers in formation. The term reflects the Greek emphasis on disciplined, unified structures—both in warfare and biology.
The Roman army adopted the Greek phalanx but later developed more flexible tactics.
A phalanx of riot police blocked the protesters from advancing.
The doctor confirmed a fracture in the distal phalanx of his thumb.
In the museum, the model depicted a Spartan phalanx in battle.
Each phalanx in the human hand plays a crucial role in fine motor skills.