A
triptych ( ; from the
Greek adjective
τρίπτυχον ("three-fold"), from
tri, i.e., "three" and
ptysso, i.e., "to fold" or
ptyx, i.e., "fold") is a work of
art (usually a
panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three
carved panels that are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of
polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works. The middle panel is typically the largest and it is flanked by two smaller related works, although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels. The form can also be used for
pendant jewelry.