phalanges: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Medical, Biological, Anthropological)
Quick answer
What does “phalanges” mean?
The small bones of the fingers and toes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The small bones of the fingers and toes.
In a broader sense, any long, slender, segmented structures resembling these bones; used figuratively to refer to essential supporting elements or the fundamental parts of a system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The pronunciation of the singular 'phalanx' may vary slightly (/ˈfælæŋks/ vs. /ˈfeɪlæŋks/), but 'phalanges' is consistently /fəˈlæn.dʒiːz/.
Connotations
Purely anatomical and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, but standard in specialist fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “phalanges” in a Sentence
The X-rays revealed fractures in the [phalanges].The [phalanges] articulate with the metacarpals.Evolutionary adaptations are visible in the [phalanges].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “phalanges” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The phalangeal fracture required careful setting.
- Phalangeal length is a key metric in primatology.
American English
- The phalangeal joints showed signs of arthritis.
- Phalangeal proportions differ between species.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and anthropological texts and lectures. (e.g., 'The study compared the phalangeal proportions in hominid fossils.')
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation outside of medical contexts.
Technical
The primary context. Used in radiology reports, surgery, osteology, and evolutionary biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “phalanges”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “phalanges”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “phalanges”
- Using 'phalanx' as a plural (incorrect: 'He broke three phalanx.').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈfeɪ.læn.dʒiːz/.
- Confusing with 'phalanges' as a singular noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the plural form. The singular is 'phalanx'.
Yes, most vertebrates with fingers, toes, or analogous digits have phalanges. The number varies by species.
'Digits' refer to the fingers and toes themselves (the whole structure). 'Phalanges' refer specifically to the bones within those digits.
It is a precise anatomical term. In everyday situations, people use common words like 'finger bones' or 'toe bones'.
The small bones of the fingers and toes.
Phalanges is usually formal, technical (medical, biological, anthropological) in register.
Phalanges: in British English it is pronounced /fəˈlæn.dʒiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /fəˈlæn.dʒiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PHALANges are the bones in your FINGers and toes.' The 'ph' and 'ng' sounds can link to 'finger'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/SUPPORT: The phalanges are the foundational 'pillars' or 'segments' that give structure and dexterity to the extremities.
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of the anatomical term 'phalanx'?