Main Entry:

dip·tych

Pronunciation:

\ˈdip-(ˌ)tik\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Late Latin diptycha, plural, from Greek, from neuter plural of diptychos folded in two, from di- + ptychē fold

Date:

1622

1 : a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces 2 : a picture or series of pictures (as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets 3 : a work made up of two matching parts

[diptych illustration]