triptych

[ trip-tik ]

noun

1. Fine Arts. a set of three panels or compartments side by side, bearing pictures, carvings, or the like.
2. a hinged, three-leaved tablet, written on, in ancient times, with a stylus.

triptych

/ ˈtrɪptɪk /

noun

1. a set of three pictures or panels, usually hinged so that the two wing panels fold over the larger central one: often used as an altarpiece
2. a set of three hinged writing tablets

Word History and Origins

Origin of triptych¹

1725–35; < Greek tríptychos of three plates, equivalent to tri- tri- + ptych- (stem of ptýx ) plate + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of triptych¹

C18: from Greek triptukhos , from tri- + ptux plate; compare diptych

Example Sentences

And the evangelicals have been especially irked by the recent sale of a Francis Bacon triptych for an astounding $142 million.

From The Daily Beast

Yet each devoted his energies to matters of universal concern, and together they form a curious triptych on the mortal condition.

From The Daily Beast

Everything is in motion, and the triptych panels often construct a narrative, like the frames of a film do.

From The Daily Beast

"The Smoker," and "Mother and Daughter," a triptych, are two of her principal pictures.

From Project Gutenberg

There is in the Cluny Museum, in Paris, a beautiful triptych, evidently of the sixteenth century.

From Project Gutenberg

There is also a very little triptych, with a Descent from the Cross, and an inscription on the shutters.

From Project Gutenberg

In his native town, in the church of S. Gregorio, is a triptych by him, dated 1473.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the best is a triptych in the sacristy of the Cathedral representing the birth of the Virgin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• threesome
• triad
• troika