Definition: A polyptych is a specific type of art piece, particularly in painting, which consists of more than three panels or sections, often hinged together. These panels are usually arranged in a row or occasionally in a grid and can be closed like a book when not on display.
Etymology and Origin: The term “polyptych” is derived from Greek, combining “πολύς” (polys), meaning “many,” and “πτυχή” (ptychē), meaning “fold” or “layer.” The word entered the English language to describe multi-paneled altarpieces, commonly found in Christian church art, especially during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
