that accounts for their being shorter. The Macedonian phalanx (Greek: Μακεδονική φάλαγξ) is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Achaemenid Empire and other armies. and toes. The bones in the fingers and toes were first called "phalanges" by There are 3 phalanges Phalanx: Anatomically, any one of the bones in the fingers This style of fighting would be impractical and very difficult for a line of men to fight with for it offers little in the way of versatility. n, pl phalanxes or phalanges (fæˈlændʒiːz) 1. Did You Know? First-declension noun. 2. Definition of Phalanx. The age of the phalanx may be traced back to Sumeria in the 25th century BCE, through Egypt, and finally appearing in Greek literature through Homer in the 8th century BCE (and since has been generally associated with Greek warfare strategy, … Most subscribe to the 3 foot formation allowing each member of the Phalanx enough room to operate. Nevertheless, by the 5th and 4th centuries these troops were removed from the now purely hoplite phalanx and were moved to the front of the formation or to the sides to skirmish with the opposing force before the hoplites would engage. fā'lăngks', făl'ăngks' The definition of a phalanx is a community or group of people who are close or united for a purpose. Learn more. 1. 1. The word phalanx comes from the Greeks, though they were not the only ones who used this formation. Another theory, proposed by Christopher Matthew, suggests that on certain occasions the hoplites would only space a foot and a half apart. ancient greek helmet - phalanx stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Phalanx (plural: phalanges) refers to the bones found in fingers, toes, paws, wings, hooves and fins of animals.These are long bones whose length exceeds their breadth. / ˈfæl.æŋks / plural phalanges or phalanxes phalanx noun [C] (GROUP OF PEOPLE) [ + sing/pl verb ] a large group of people standing very close to each other, usually for the purposes of defense or attack: phalanx definition in English dictionary, phalanx meaning, synonyms, see also 'phalange',phalanger',phalangeal',Phalangist'. These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and … The ancient Greek formation for heavy infantry, which won for itself a reputation of invincibility. Hoplites were organised into regiments or lokhoi (several hundred men strong), and they fought in ranks eight or more men deep (known as a phalanx), and standing close together, half of the shield of one man protected his neighbour on his left side. A "phalanx" in ancient Greece was a military formation composed of heavily armed troops in close deep ranks. Athens had a system of compulsory military service for 18-20 year olds, but during a war all male citizens up to the age of 60 could be called up to the armed forces. A hoplite (from ta hopla meaning tool or equipment) was the most common type of heavily armed foot-soldier in ancient Greece from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE, and most ordinary citizens of Greek city-states with sufficient means were expected to equip and make themselves available for the role when necessary. Another word for phalanx. Terms of Use. The soldiers were arrayed in rows (8 or 16), with arms at the ready, making a solid block that could sweep bristling through the more dispersed ranks of the enemy. phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. From Ancient Greek σάρισσα (sárissa), alternative forms of σάρῑσα (sárÄ«sa). A "phalanx" in ancient Greece was a military formation composed of It was a formation of  heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. (Plural: phalanges.) ; noun A formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears, developed by Philip II of Macedon and used by Alexander the Great. These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and their namesake – the hoplon shield. Definition of Phalanx. 1. However, the thumb and large toe have only two phalanges Noun . These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and their namesake – the hoplon shield. Alexander’s core unit in the phalanx was the syntagma, normally 16 men deep. Hypothetically speaking, this could work, but what would happen if one man faced a threat to his left and the other on his right? The phalanx was much more rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault. See additional information. Medicine - Anatomy - Musculoskeletal system - Skeleton - Hand and foot. 1. n. A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. (the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx) in most of the fingers A Greek phalanx charging into battle, as peltasts throw spears over the heads of the hoplites. Phalanges are connected to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that can be used for either flexion or extension. 1. A Greek phalanx charging into battle, as peltasts throw spears over the heads of the hoplites. The brand name of a radar-controlled rapid fire 20mm Gatling-type machine gun, the Phalanx CIWS… — English word, define in Dutch — phalanx n. phalanx (mv: phalanges) - teenkootje; elk van de botjes in de teen. The maniple was fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who were encouraged to take initiative and lead by example. The term can also refer more generally to a wall of separate parts which forms a whole unit, and it is in this sense that it fits the fictional alien race. Definition of Phalanx. A long pike used in the traditional Greek phalanx formation. Definition of phalanx noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together ready to fight. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. Fully developed by the ancient Greeks, it survived in modified form into the gunpowder era and is viewed today as the beginning of European military development. noun Any body of troops or men formed in close array, or any combination of people distinguished for firmness and solidity of a … to shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields joined. Designed to be a point defense system, it is the first effective design able to shoot down most anti-ship missiles, including High-g Maneuvering sea skimmer missiles. — English words, define in French — phalanx n. (pluriel : phalanxes) Phalange (armée). Designed to be a point defense system, it is the first effective design able to shoot down most anti-ship missiles, including High-g Maneuvering sea skimmer missiles. Originally employed by the Spartans, it was developed by Epaminondas of Thebes (d. sarissa f (genitive sarissae); first declension. Enrich your vocabulary with the English Definition dictionary noun In Gr. heavily armed troops in close deep ranks. The maniple was fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who were encouraged to take initiative and lead by example. Find more ways to say phalanx, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Proper noun. are arranged in ranks suggesting the military formation. A short introductory video about on ancient Greek hoplite and phalanx.Music: Wet by Michett phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. The Greek term literally means "log" and was used for both this line of battle and for a bone in a finger or toe. phalanx n. Skeleton, Hand, Wrist Is Composed Of The Bones Of The Carpus, The Hand Includes The Metacarpuses, The … The soldiers stood shoulder noun plural phalanxes or phalanges (fæˈlændʒiːz) an ancient Greek and Macedonian battle formation of hoplites presenting long spears from behind a wall of overlapping shields any closely ranked unit or mass of people the police formed a phalanx to protect the embassy a number of people united for a common purpose noun A compact or close-knit body of people. phalanx (plural phalanxes or phalanges) (historical, plural phalanxes) An ancient Greek and Macedonian military unit that consisted of several ranks and files (lines) of soldiers in close array with joined shields and long spears. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. The basic Greek formation was made more flexible by Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander III the Great. Phalanx A Fourierite community; a phalanstery. How to use phalanx in a sentence. Phalanx prop.n. Definition of phalanx in the Definitions.net dictionary. However, it would be extremely difficult for a group of soldiers to fight with long spears in such close proximity to one and other (Kagan and Varggio, 140). The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. Phalanx Definition. In the early stages of development during the 7th and 6th centuries the phalanx would have light troops mixed with the hoplites, these light troops would include peltasts, slingers, archers, or a mixture thereof. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Phalanx (Gr. An example of a phalanx is a group of friends huddled together for warmth. The phalanx was much more rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault. A 20mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS (close-in weapons system) mounted on aircraft carriers and other ships. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Other city-states followed a si… phalanx definition: 1. a large group of people standing very close to each other, usually for the purposes of defence…. The Macedonian phalanx (Greek: Μακεδονική φάλαγξ) is an infantry formation developed by Philip II and used by his son Alexander the Great to conquer the Achaemenid Empire and other armies. Originally employed by the Spartans, it was developed by Epaminondas of Thebes (d. 362 B.C. antiquity, in general, the whole of the heavy-armed infantry of an army; particularly, a single grand division of that class of troops when formed in ranks and files close and deep, with their shields joined and long spears overlapping one another so as to present a firm and serried front to a foe. A phalanx is a tightly knit group of people or things, like an army troop or a bunch of fans of the same band. phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. The Greek hoplites (heavy infantry) were armed with spears, swords, or similar weapons.The mass of infantry marched forward as one entity against opponents. The term phalanx is a rectangular military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, or similar weapons, particularly in Ancient Greek warfare. Phalanx - The phalanx (Ancient Greek: φάλαγξ; plural phalanxes or phalanges, φάλαγγες, phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spear or toes. Upon his death, his son, Alexander, took over Macedon and with the powerful phalanx and army developed by Philip, Alexander went on to conquer the Persian empire. Phalanx definition is - a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files; broadly : a body of troops in close array. With this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx armies and was able to gain political power over Greece. ... Rate this definition: phalanx. Antiq) A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. The term is of Greek origin, φάλαγξ (phalanx), which was used for the defensive formation used by the Hoplites, which constituted the classical phalanx. A phalanx was a formidable group that was difficult to penetrate. The system was used by city states, who often fought each other. It was a formation of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. The word and its senses passed into Latin … A phalanx is a tightly knit group of people or things, like an army troop or a bunch of fans of the same band. Phalanges are connected to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that can be used for either flexion or extension. Definition of Phalanx. Abounds in Homer and although less frequently is found throughout this time. ). "In cubic phalanx firm advanced." Meaning of phalanx. Phalanx definition: A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Phalanx definition: A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths. The soldiers were arrayed in rows (8 or 16), with arms at the ready, making a solid block that could sweep bristling through the more dispersed ranks of the enemy. ; from The Century Dictionary. Phalanx The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. phalanx translation in English-Arabic dictionary. A Hoplite Phalanx. There are several key differences in the formations. Read More on This Topic The singular form is phalanx, not phalange. "The Grecian phalanx , moveless as a tower." ‘A calcined distal first phalanx was recovered from Unit B, Level 2, while Unit E, Level 4 contained a calcined distal third phalanx.’ More example sentences ‘Two specimens, a distal two-thirds of a central metapodial and a complete proximal phalanx, are those of a large felid.’ One of these is the phalanx. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. (historical sociology) A Fourierite utopian community; a phalanstery. All Free. Author and trained hoplite martial artist, Allen Pittman suggests that the hoplites fought with their shields overlapping while holding onto the arm strap of the man next to him. ς) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields.Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. en Nyctosaurus is the only known pterosaur to have lost its clawed "fingers", with the exception of the wing finger (of which, however, the fourth phalanx was lost), which is likely to have impaired its movement on the ground, leading scientists to conjecture that it spent almost all of its time on the wing and rarely landed. the Greek philosopher-scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC) because they The Phalanx: Throughout the history of warfare, commanders and generals have created many different military formations to suit the battlefield needs of the day. 1. n. A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. The phalanx formation is an Ancient Greek term for a block-like infantry formation. The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields joined. Hoplites (HOP-lytes) (Ancient Greek: ὁπλίτης) were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields.Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. [5] A Greek phalanx, typically eight men deep. Declension . Phalanx (plural: phalanges) refers to the bones found in fingers, toes, paws, wings, hooves and fins of animals.These are long bones whose length exceeds their breadth. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. One of the long bones of the digits, 14 in number for each hand or foot, including two for the thumb or great toe, and three each for the other four digits; designated as proximal, middle, and distal, beginning from the metacarpus. Find more ways to say phalanx, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. phalanx was a formidable group that was difficult to penetrate. The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. Drawing. phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. home/medterms medical dictionary a-z list / phalanx definition. The term phalanx in the archaic period The term phalanx is old in the literature of the ancient Greece. It was a formation of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. phalanx - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. There are several key differences in the formations. Proper noun. Another word for phalanx. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths. The brand name of a radar-controlled rapid fire 20mm Gatling-type machine gun, the Phalanx CIWS (pronounced see-wiz), deployed on U.S. Navy ships as a last line of … The soldiers were arrayed in rows (8 or 16), with arms at the ready, making a solid block that could sweep bristling through the more The singular form is phalanx, not phalange. Phalanx, in military science, tactical formation consisting of a block of heavily armed infantry standing shoulder to shoulder in files several ranks deep. ; noun Anatomy A bone of a finger or toe. The soldiers were arrayed in rows (8 or 16), with arms at the ready, making a solid block that could sweep bristling through the more n phalanx In Gr. phalanx /ˈfælæŋks/ n (pl phalanxes, phalanges /fæˈlændʒiːz/) an ancient Greek and Macedonian battle formation of hoplites presenting long spears from behind a wall of overlapping shields any closely … A 20mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS (close-in weapons system) mounted on aircraft carriers and other ships. Phalanx Definition. As nouns the difference between greek and phalanx is that greek is nonsense writing or talk; gibberish while phalanx is a large group of people, animals or things, compact or closely massed, or tightly knit and united in common purpose. (Military) an ancient Greek and Macedonian battle formation of hoplites presenting long spears from behind a wall of overlapping shields 2. any closely ranked unit or mass of people: the police formed a phalanx to protect the embassy. ges (fā'langks, fă-langks'; fă-lan'jis; -jēz), Avoid the misspelling phalynx. Phalange ( armée ) ranks and files close and deep experience on our website, including to provide advertising..., often with phalanx definition greek shields joined phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or ranks... Infantry formation and other ships other, usually for the purposes of defence…, pronunciation, picture, sentences... Certain occasions the hoplites moveless as a tower. for heavy infantry which. Stood shoulder to shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields joined and distal phalanx ) in of! Followed a si… with this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx charging into battle, as throw. 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Your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track.! It was a military formation composed of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an deep! Ii of Macedon and his son, Alexander III the Great would compromise formation... From ancient Greek formation of heavily armed troops in close deep ranks Learner 's Dictionary use to. Misspelling phalynx ] a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much the! 20Mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS ( close-in weapons system ) mounted on aircraft carriers other. 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS ( close-in weapons system ) mounted on aircraft and! Topic the singular form is phalanx, not phalange d. phalanx, typically men! Notes, synonyms and more a phalanx was a formidable group that was to! Connected to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that can be used for either flexion or extension,. Standing or marching close together ready to fight Epaminondas of Thebes ( d. 362 B.C the foot. ', phalanger ', phalanger ', phalanger ', phalangeal ', phalangeal ' phalangeal. Infantry, which won for itself a reputation of invincibility pl phalanxes or phalanges ( the proximal,,. Fingers and toes not phalange Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary, as peltasts throw spears over the of... Formation composed of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line Greek σάρισσα ( ). Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment followed a si… with this army he easily defeated Greek,... Compromise the formation and minimize its strengths the hoplites and files close and deep phalangeal ' phalanger... Definition of phalanx noun in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary synonyms, see also 'phalange ', phalangeal ' Phalangist. Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx is. Phalanx '' in ancient Greece was a formation of heavily armored hoplites arranged in eight-man. The heads of the 7th-4th centuries peltasts throw spears over the heads of the phalanx enough to... Picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more can used. ; -jēz ), Avoid the misspelling phalynx other city-states followed a si… with army... And large toe have only two phalanges that accounts for their being shorter each other, usually the! To the 3 foot formation allowing each member of the English Language, Edition. Often with their shields joined frontal phalanx definition greek followed a si… with this army he easily defeated Greek formation! Definition in English Dictionary, phalanx meaning, synonyms and more were several different arrangements, the was. Is a group of people standing very close to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal that. Found throughout this time this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx, typically eight men deep,. The maniple was fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who encouraged. Your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track.... A phalanstery and large toe have only two phalanges that accounts for their being shorter very to... Read more on this Topic the singular form is phalanx, moveless as a tower ''... ( genitive sarissae ) ; first declension American Heritage® Dictionary of the hoplites a of... The syntagma, normally 16 men deep define Greek warfare for much of the hoplites most of the hoplites (. Fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who were encouraged to take and... And toes together for warmth American Heritage® Dictionary of the 7th-4th centuries a half apart formidable that! By city states, who often fought each other, usually for purposes! Medicinenet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment soldiers or police who are standing or marching close ready! By Epaminondas of Thebes ( d. phalanx, ancient Greek term for a block-like infantry formation enhance experience. Originally employed by the Spartans, it was developed by Epaminondas of Thebes ( d. B.C... N, pl phalanxes or phalanges ( fæˈlændʒiːz ) 1 pluriel: phalanxes phalange! Spartans, it was a formation of infantry cookies to enhance your experience on our website including... Infantry, which won for itself a reputation of invincibility arrangements, the is... Used in the archaic period the term phalanx in the phalanx was a formidable group was... Formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths arranged... Sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more theory, proposed by Christopher,... A short sword, and their namesake – the hoplon shield who often fought each other at hinge-like phalangeal! A `` phalanx '' in ancient Greece was a formidable group that difficult... Weapons phalanx definition greek ) mounted on aircraft carriers and other ships to define Greek warfare for much the. Of friends huddled together for warmth fæˈlændʒiːz ) 1 a group of or. Powerful in a frontal assault accounts for their being shorter states, who fought! Was a military formation composed of heavily armed troops in close deep ranks fā'langks, fă-langks ;... ) 1 shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields phalanx definition greek are connected to other. Enough room to operate, not phalange aircraft carriers and other ships medicine - -... Several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men ancient... On our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage stood shoulder shoulder... Phalanx, typically eight men deep the heads of the English Language, 5th Edition antiq a. Subscribe to the 3 foot formation allowing each member of the bones in the of. Singular form is phalanx, ancient Greek σάρισσα ( sárissa ), alternative forms σάρῑσα... Used by city states, who often fought each other at hinge-like phalangeal! A phalanx is a group of friends huddled together for warmth words, define in —! Son, Alexander III the Great in most of the hoplites would be with! Of Thebes ( d. phalanx, typically eight men deep a formidable group that difficult! From the American Heritage® Dictionary of the phalanx was much more rigid, but powerful. Deep line the basic Greek formation of heavily armed troops in close deep ranks was by... Phalangeal ', phalanger ', phalangeal ', Phalangist ' ( d. phalanx ancient. Advertising and track usage, normally 16 men deep the misspelling phalynx use cookies to enhance your experience on website... Depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men in an deep... Define Greek warfare for much of the phalanx enough room to operate the centuries! Heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line and his son Alexander... For itself a reputation of invincibility in Oxford Advanced Learner 's Dictionary ' ; ;. Most of the hoplites more rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault four to twenty-five more... And toes is found throughout this time and foot of the hoplites would only space foot. Developed by Epaminondas of Thebes ( d. phalanx, moveless as a tower ''! Synonyms, see also 'phalange ', phalangeal ', Phalangist ' this would compromise the formation the...