phalange

noun

pha·​lange ˈfā-ˌlanj How to pronounce phalange (audio)
fə-ˈlanj,
fā-ˈlanj How to pronounce phalange (audio)
: phalanx sense 2

Examples of phalange in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dinosaur has also hung on to 65 percent of its original phalange, ulna, humeri and shoulder girdle. — Dana Givens, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2022 The boxcar in front of him might have a phalange that's worn down, so much that the wheels are catching. — Jenna Ross, Star Tribune, 23 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, borrowed from Greek phalang-, phálanx — more at phalanx

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phalange was in 1688

Rhymes for phalange

See All Rhymes for phalange

Browse Nearby Words

phalange
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phalange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalange. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on phalange

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phalange

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-in-disguise
Rhyme Disguise Quiz Pair up words that look different but sound alike.
See All