A triptych is a painting or a carving on three panels that are usually joined together by hinges.
triptych in British English
(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 origin
C18: from Greek triptukhos, from tri- + ptux plate; compare diptych
triptych in American English
(ˈtrɪptɪk)
noun
1.
an ancient writing tablet of three leaves hinged together
2.
a set of three panels with pictures, designs, or carvings, often hinged so that the two side panels may be folded over the central one, commonly used as an altarpiece
Word origin
< Gr triptychos, threefold < tri-, tri- + ptychē (gen. ptychos), a fold
Examples of 'triptych' in a sentence
triptych
Parsifal is a huge triptych set in the bare wooden attic.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
At the base of the central triptych is a cartoonish tombstone.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This triptych effect works perfectly because it allows for steady climax, then applause.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The connections between their stories are very loose, making this feel more like a triptych than one coherent story.