polyptych

English - English

Definition of polyptych in English English dictionary

A work consisting of multiple painted or carved panels joined together, often with hinges

a painting done in more than three sections or panels that may be hinged together

> Altarpieces are frequently in the form of polyptychs (deriving from the Greek for 'of many folds') Polyptychs consist of several painted panels that are joined together and grouped as a screen, often combined with ornate carving

Hyphenation

pol·yp·tych

Etymology

[ 'pä-l&p-"tik, p&- ] (noun.) 1859. Greek polyptychos having many folds, from poly- + ptychE fold, from ptyssein to fold.