Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

polyptych

[pol-ip-tik]
noun
  1. a work of art composed of several connected panels.
Show More
Compare diptych, pentaptych, triptych.

Origin of polyptych

1855–60; special use of Late Latin polyptychum < Greek polýptychon a register, roll, noun use of neuter of polýptychos having many folds. See poly-, diptych, triptych
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for polyptych

Historical Examples

  • It is difficult to think that he can be answerable for it when we compare it with the Piet over the polyptych at Perugia.

    Pintoricchio

    Evelyn March Phillipps

British Dictionary definitions for polyptych

polyptych

noun
  1. an altarpiece consisting of more than three panels, set with paintings or carvings, and usually hinged for foldingCompare diptych, triptych
Show More

Word Origin

C19: via Late Latin from Greek poluptuchon something folded many times, from poly- + ptuchē a fold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012