Phalanstery
/ˈfæl.ən.stə.ri/noun
A communal building or society organized according to the utopian ideas of Charles Fourier.
Did you know?Phalanstery was coined in the 19th century from Fourier's vision of a self-contained communal palace, and it was never a classical word at all—it was a made-up manifesto term that sounds ancient on purpose.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
French
phalanstère
“A communal dwelling planned for a cooperative society in Fourier's utopian system.”
19th Century
French
phalanstérien
“Relating to or advocating Fourier's communal social organization.”
19th Century
French
phalanx
“A tight formation of soldiers; Fourier borrowed the image of organized, disciplined masses.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phálanx
“A row, line, or battalion; later, a military formation.”
Modern English
English
phalanstery
“A building or community arranged on Fourierist principles.”
Explore more surprising origins