noun
also trip·tich ˈtrip(ˌ)tik, -_tēk
( -s )
Etymology: Greek triptychos threefold, from tri- three + -ptychos (from ptychē fold, layer)
1. : a writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged for folding together and used by the ancient Romans for everyday writing
2.
a. : a picture or carving in three compartments side by side ; especially : a picture serving as an altarpiece and consisting of a central panel and two flanking panels of half its size that fold over it — compare diptych 3, polyptych
b. : something resembling or held to resemble such a 3-part picture ; especially : a work (as in art, literature, or music) made up of three matching or contrasting parts