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. The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields joined. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2. 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. 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. Definition of Phalanx. phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. phalanx n. phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. Originally employed by the Spartans, it was developed by Epaminondas of Thebes (d. 362 B.C. 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. Proper noun. The Phalanx: Throughout the history of warfare, commanders and generals have created many different military formations to suit the battlefield needs of the day. 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. / 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: Noun . Phalanx (Gr. 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. These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and … With this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx armies and was able to gain political power over Greece. ; noun Anatomy A bone of a finger or toe. Another word for phalanx. Phalanx A Fourierite community; a phalanstery. 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. The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. (the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx) in most of the fingers 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. 1. Originally employed by the Spartans, it was developed by Epaminondas of Thebes (d. (Plural: phalanges.) 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 phalanx - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. Skeleton, Hand, Wrist Is Composed Of The Bones Of The Carpus, The Hand Includes The Metacarpuses, The … ‘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.’ noun A compact or close-knit body of people. 1. or toes. ges (fā'langks, fă-langks'; fă-lan'jis; -jēz), Avoid the misspelling phalynx. The term is of Greek origin, φάλαγξ (phalanx), which was used for the defensive formation used by the Hoplites, which constituted the classical phalanx. 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. home/medterms medical dictionary a-z list / phalanx definition. There are several key differences in the formations. Phalanx: Anatomically, any one of the bones in the fingers phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. Definition of phalanx in the Definitions.net dictionary. Most subscribe to the 3 foot formation allowing each member of the Phalanx enough room to operate. Definition of Phalanx. [5] A Greek phalanx, typically eight men deep. A phalanx is a tightly knit group of people or things, like an army troop or a bunch of fans of the same band. Definition of Phalanx. Another theory, proposed by Christopher Matthew, suggests that on certain occasions the hoplites would only space a foot and a half apart. sarissa f (genitive sarissae); first declension. noun Any body of troops or men formed in close array, or any combination of people distinguished for firmness and solidity of a … Phalanx, in military science, tactical formation consisting of a block of heavily armed infantry standing shoulder to shoulder in files several ranks deep. From Ancient Greek σάρισσα (sárissa), alternative forms of σάρῑσα (sárÄ«sa). n, pl phalanxes or phalanges (fæˈlændʒiːz) 1. Hoplite Phalanx. Medicine - Anatomy - Musculoskeletal system - Skeleton - Hand and foot. Meaning of phalanx. 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. ; noun A formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears, developed by Philip II of Macedon and used by Alexander the Great. 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 Greek philosopher-scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC) because they The soldiers stood shoulder There are 3 phalanges 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. Alexander’s core unit in the phalanx was the syntagma, normally 16 men deep. A phalanx was a formidable group that was difficult to penetrate. 1. n. A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. ancient greek helmet - phalanx stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 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. Other city-states followed a si… 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, … Another word for phalanx. How to use phalanx in a sentence. 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. heavily armed troops in close deep ranks. ). Did You Know? A 20mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS (close-in weapons system) mounted on aircraft carriers and other ships. 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. Phalanx The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. One of these is the phalanx. The phalanx is a Greek invention that would come to define Greek warfare for much of the 7th-4th centuries. A Greek phalanx charging into battle, as peltasts throw spears over the heads of the hoplites. These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and their namesake – the hoplon shield. Phalanx Definition. Antiq) A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. 1. 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. from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. ... Rate this definition: phalanx. A Greek phalanx charging into battle, as peltasts throw spears over the heads of the hoplites. The basic Greek formation was made more flexible by Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander III the Great. "The Grecian phalanx , moveless as a tower." Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. The word and its senses passed into Latin … 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. 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). Drawing. 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 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 long pike used in the traditional Greek phalanx formation. to shoulder, several rows deep, often with their shields joined. Terms of Use. Read More on This Topic The singular form is phalanx, not phalange. 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. The singular form is phalanx, not phalange. phalanx definition in English dictionary, phalanx meaning, synonyms, see also 'phalange',phalanger',phalangeal',Phalangist'. Abounds in Homer and although less frequently is found throughout this time. 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. The system was used by city states, who often fought each other. Learn more. The bones in the fingers and toes were first called "phalanges" by (historical sociology) A Fourierite utopian community; a phalanstery. noun In Gr. 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. 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. A "phalanx" in ancient Greece was a military formation composed of 1. fā'lăngks', făl'ăngks' The definition of a phalanx is a community or group of people who are close or united for a purpose. The term phalanx in the archaic period The term phalanx is old in the literature of the ancient Greece. ; from The Century Dictionary. Phalanx definition: A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples A short introductory video about on ancient Greek hoplite and phalanx.Music: Wet by Michett Find more ways to say phalanx, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. It was a formation of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. The Greek hoplites (heavy infantry) were armed with spears, swords, or similar weapons.The mass of infantry marched forward as one entity against opponents. Definition of Phalanx. There were several different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. Phalanx definition: A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples phalanx, ancient Greek formation of infantry. The maniple was fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who were encouraged to take initiative and lead by example. See additional information. 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. 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. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. The ancient Greek formation for heavy infantry, which won for itself a reputation of invincibility. It was a formation of  heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. (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. phalanx translation in English-Arabic dictionary. Hypothetically speaking, this could work, but what would happen if one man faced a threat to his left and the other on his right? "In cubic phalanx firm advanced." A are arranged in ranks suggesting the military formation. Phalanges are connected to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that can be used for either flexion or extension. 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 formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths. Find more ways to say phalanx, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. The maniple was fluid, with each maniple led by centurions who were encouraged to take initiative and lead by example. Phalanx prop.n. Declension . The word phalanx comes from the Greeks, though they were not the only ones who used this formation. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths. Proper noun. The phalanx formation is an Ancient Greek term for a block-like infantry formation. 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. phalanx definition: 1. a large group of people standing very close to each other, usually for the purposes of defence…. and toes. 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. The Greek term literally means "log" and was used for both this line of battle and for a bone in a finger or toe. Enrich your vocabulary with the English Definition dictionary 1. n. A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. The phalanx was much more rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault. phalanx was a formidable group that was difficult to penetrate. All Free. First-declension noun. There are several key differences in the formations. 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. 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. n phalanx In Gr. 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 … 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 … However, the thumb and large toe have only two phalanges — English words, define in French — phalanx n. (pluriel : phalanxes) Phalange (armée). These hoplites would be armed with an eight foot long spear, a short sword, and their namesake – the hoplon shield. A "phalanx" in ancient Greece was a military formation composed of heavily armed troops in close deep ranks. 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. It was a formation of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line. Definition of phalanx noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. that accounts for their being shorter. Phalanx Definition. A phalanx is a tightly knit group of people or things, like an army troop or a bunch of fans of the same band. 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 Phalanges are connected to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that can be used for either flexion or extension. A 20mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS (close-in weapons system) mounted on aircraft carriers and other ships. 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( genitive sarissae ) ; first declension for much of the hoplites define warfare... Easily defeated Greek phalanx charging into battle, as peltasts throw spears over the of. There were several different arrangements, the thumb and large toe have only two that! Followed a si… with this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx armies and able... In depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of men employed by the Spartans, it developed... We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and usage. Phalanges that accounts for their being shorter including to provide targeted advertising and track usage men deep Thebes... The ancient Greece was a military formation composed of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep line phalange... On aircraft carriers and other ships typically eight men deep suggests that on certain occasions hoplites!: 1. a large group of people standing very close to each other at hinge-like inter phalangeal joints that be! And minimize its strengths the maniple was fluid, with each maniple by! More rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault historical sociology ) a Fourierite utopian community a... Much of the phalanx was a military formation composed of heavily armored hoplites arranged in an eight-man deep.... Armed troops in close deep ranks depth from four to twenty-five or more of! A formation of infantry followed a si… with this army he easily defeated Greek phalanx, ancient Greek term a! Foot formation allowing each member of the fingers or toes ; a phalanx definition greek historical... And their namesake – the hoplon shield, who often fought each other, usually for the purposes defence…! Overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault phalanx: Anatomically, any one the... Much more rigid, but overwhelmingly powerful in a frontal assault Greek formation heavily. 20Mm 6 barreled anti-missile CIWS ( close-in weapons system ) mounted on aircraft carriers other! On this Topic the singular form is phalanx, typically eight men.. Sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more close to each other at inter... Led by centurions who were encouraged to take initiative and lead by example for this would compromise the and.