polyptych

noun

po·​lyp·​tych ˈpä-ləp-ˌtik How to pronounce polyptych (audio) pə-ˈlip-tik How to pronounce polyptych (audio)
: an arrangement of four or more panels (as of a painting) usually hinged and folding together

Examples of polyptych in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, its artwork has been displayed around the world, including a five-panel polyptych at the United Nations during its AI for Global Good Summit in May 2024. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024 The menu was already a polyptych of long, fluorescent tubes. — Bryan A’hearn, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek polyptychos having many folds, from poly- + ptychē fold, from ptyssein to fold

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyptych was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

polyptoton
polyptych
polyrhythm
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Cite this Entry

“Polyptych.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyptych. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on polyptych

Nglish: Translation of polyptych for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyptych

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