noun pl. phalanxes, phalanges
- an ancient military formation of infantry in close, deep ranks with shields overlapping and spears extended
- a massed group of individuals; compact body
- a group of individuals united for a common purpose
- the people forming a phalanstery
- Anat. any of the bones forming the fingers or toes
Origin:
L < Gr, line of battle, bone between fingers, orig., log < IE base *bhel-, log > balk