1550s, "line of battle in close ranks," from Latin phalanx "compact body of heavily armed men in battle array," or directly from Greek phalanx (genitive phalangos) "line of battle, battle array," also "finger or toe bone," originally "round piece of wood, trunk, log," of unknown origin. Perhaps from PIE root *bhelg- "plank, beam" (source of Old English balca "balk;" see balk (n.)). The Macedonian phalanx consisted of 50 close files of 16 men each. In anatomy, originally the whole row of finger joints, which fit together like infantry in close order. Figurative sense of "number of persons banded together in a common cause" is attested from 1600 (compare Spanish Falangist, member of a fascist organization founded in 1933).
双语例句
1. Unfortunately for Wilson, such a solid phalanx did not materialize.
对威尔逊来说, 不幸的是这种团结并没有形成.
来自辞典例句
2. He had ranked himself in the numerous phalanx of unbelievers.
他一直象其它无数怀疑者一样持怀疑态度.
来自辞典例句
3. At last , a phalanx of soldiers rescued us.
一支密集队形的军队终于前来搭救了我们.
来自辞典例句
4. Your father should have told you how our phalanx works.
你父亲应该告诉过你,我们的方针是如何运转的.
来自互联网
5. Your middle phalanx are broken and I will splint it.