triptych

noun

trip·tych ˈtrip-(ˌ)tik

Synonyms of triptych next

: a picture (such as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side

: something composed or presented in three parts or sections

especially : trilogy

: an ancient Roman writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged together

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Triptych Has Greek Roots

A painted or carved triptych typically has three hinged panels, and the two outer panels can be folded in towards the central one. A literary or musical triptych generally consists of three closely related or contrasting themes or parts. Triptych derives from the Greek triptychos ("having three folds"), formed by combining tri- ("three") and ptychē ("fold" or "layer"). Although triptych originally described a specific type of Roman writing tablet that had three hinged sections, it is not surprising that the idea was generalized first to a type of painting, and then to anything composed of three parts.

Examples of triptych in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The first of three 30-ish second snippets contained in a video newly shared to YouTube featured the typical triptych of host (Jean Smart), musical guest (Jelly Roll) and a castmember (Marcello Hernández). —

Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024 The 90-minute documentary, which will air in the U.K. on Oct. 9, is part of a triptych of films commissioned by U.K. network Channel 4 to grapple with the Hamas attacks and Israel’s response. —

K.j. Yossman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024 The wildly successful Marvel series from Sony comprises a triptych of strangely appealing comic book movies featuring Tom Hardy’s take on journalist Eddie Brock and his sassy symbiote sidekick, Venom (whom Hardy also voices). —

Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 24 Oct. 2024 In Megan’s version, a triptych of the rapper is seen with Boa’s half-bob, half-long haircut while a snake poses in the foreground. —

Zoe Guy, Vulture, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for triptych