Figuresfigures

Figuresfigures is a neologism used to describe a composite or meta-figure that combines multiple visual representations of data into a single unit. It is typically employed to facilitate direct comparison across panels, to present related results, or to showcase a progression of visuals within one figure.

Origin and etymology: The term appears in online design and data visualization discussions from the early 2010s as a playful reduplication of the word figure. It signals an assembly of figures rather than a single chart or diagram. The usage remains informal and is not widely adopted in formal style guides.

Applications: In academic publishing, a figure labeled as a figuresfigures may consist of a grid or collage of subfigures, each illustrating a related variable or condition. In data journalism and presentations, the term can describe a gallery-style page that aggregates several related charts, maps, or diagrams to tell a broader story. In digital art or generative design, figuresfigures may refer to collage-like compositions derived from multiple figure elements.

Limitations and reception: Because figuresfigures is uncommon, some readers may find the term unclear if not defined on first use. Style guides and editors often prefer explicit descriptions such as “a multi-panel figure” or “a composite figure” to avoid ambiguity.

See also: figure, multi-panel figure, infographic, collage, data visualization.