Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

tetraptych

noun
Save Word
tet·​rap·​tych | \ te‧ˈtraptik \
plural -s

Definition of tetraptych

: an arrangement of pictures in four parts (as for an altarpiece)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for tetraptych

Greek tetraptychon, neuter of tetraptychos fourfold, from tetra- + -ptychos (akin to Greek ptychē fold, layer)

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about tetraptych

Statistics for tetraptych

Cite this Entry

“Tetraptych.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetraptych. Accessed 27 Sep. 2020.

Comments on tetraptych

What made you want to look up tetraptych? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rambunctious

Listen to the pronunciation of rambunctious

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games