'phalanx' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phálanx', where 'phálanx' meant 'line of battle' or 'finger bone'.

'phálanx' changed from the Greek word 'phálanx' and eventually became the modern English word 'phalanx'.

Initially, it meant 'line of battle', but over time it evolved to also mean 'finger bone'.