noun pl. phalanxes -·lanx′es, phalanges pha·lan·ges (fə lan′jēz′)

1. an ancient military formation of infantry in close, deep ranks with shields overlapping and spears extended
2. a massed group of individuals; compact body
3. a group of individuals united for a common purpose
4. the people forming a phalanstery
5. Anat. any of the bones forming the fingers or toes

Etymology: L < Gr, line of battle, bone between fingers, orig., log < IE base *bhel-, log > balk