n (context|plural 'phalanxes') a large group of people, animals or things, compact or closely massed, or tightly knit and united in common purpose.
n (skeleton|plural 'phalanges') One of the bones of the finger or toe.
n (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.