triptych Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun art consisting of a painting or carving (especially an altarpiece) on three panels (usually hinged together)

WordNet

Trip"tych noun
Etymology
Gr. consisting of three layers or plates; (see Tri-) + , , a fold, layer.
Definitions
  1. Anything in three parts or leaves. Specifically: -- (a) A writing tablet in three parts, two of which fold over on the middle part. (b) A picture or altarpiece in three compartments.

Webster 1913