polyptych

[ pol-ip-tik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a work of art composed of several connected panels.

polyptych

/ ˈpɒlɪptɪk /

noun

an altarpiece consisting of more than three panels, set with paintings or carvings, and usually hinged for folding Compare diptych triptych

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Word History and Origins

Origin of polyptych¹

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of polyptych¹

C19: via Late Latin from Greek poluptuchon something folded many times, from poly- + ptuchē a fold

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Example Sentences

The centre-piece of the Ghent Polyptych, in the Cathedral of that town.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

polyprotodont polypus

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