polyptychs

Refers to painted or carved works consisting of multiple panels. They are typically altarpieces, but may be objects with other functions as well. The polyptych normally consists of a central panel with an even number of side-panels, which are sometimes hinged to fold, and a predella. Although any object with two or more panels may technically be called a 'polyptych,' the word is typically reserved for anything larger than a triptych. In early usage, the Greek term 'polyptycha' referred to multiple-panel writing tablets and calendar icons.