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phalange

phalanx, finger bone

noun fah-LAHNZH Rare
Body & Health Body Parts

Origin: From Greek phalanx, 'battle line, finger bone'

Also means

phalanx (military formation)

Usage Note

Phalange in anatomy refers to one of the small bones of the fingers or toes; there are three per digit except the thumb and big toe. In its historical/military sense, it denotes the close-formation infantry used by ancient Greek armies. The plural phalanges is the standard anatomical term.

Examples

"Il s'est fracturé une phalange du doigt."

Natural Translation

He fractured a finger bone.

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