# diptych

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdɪptɪk/

## Definitions
1. A writing tablet consisting of two leaves of rigid material connected by hinges and shutting together so as to protect the writing within.
2. A picture or series of pictures painted on two tablets, usually connected by hinges.
3. A double catalogue, containing in one part the names of living, and in the other of deceased, ecclesiastics and benefactors of a church.
4. A catalogue of saints.
5. Artistically-wrought tablets distributed by consuls, etc. of the later Roman Empire to commemorate their tenure of office; hence (transferred sense) a list of magistrates.
6. A novel published in two volumes forming one continuous story (as opposed to a duology or dilogy).
7. A literary work consisting of two contrasting parts, such as a narrative telling the same story from two opposing points of view.
8. Any work made up of two parts treating complementary or contrasting aspects of one general topic.

## Etymology
From Late Latin diptycha, plural, from Ancient Greek, neuter plural of δίπτυχος (díptukhos, “folded, doubled”), from δι- (di-) + πτυχή (ptukhḗ, “fold, layer”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/diptych