Diptych
/ˈdɪp.tɪk/noun
A work or object made of two hinged panels, or a pair of related items.
Did you know?In the ancient world, a diptych was often a set of wax tablets hinged together, used for writing—so the word began as a literal object of memory, record, and power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
δίπτυχος (díptykhos)
“folded in two; double-folded”
Late Greek
Greek
δίπτυχα (díptycha)
“a pair of folding tablets or leaves”
Late Latin
Latin
diptycha
“folding tablets, especially official or commemorative tablets”
Middle English
English
diptyke
“a book or tablet of two leaves”
Modern English
English
diptych
“an object or artwork consisting of two panels hinged together”