noun, noun, used as a suffix
Only with reading じょうこう
Biology term for a taxonomic rank above class; used as a noun or suffix in scientific classification.
哺乳類は脊椎動物上綱に属する。
Mammals belong to the superclass of vertebrates.
この分類では、上綱のレベルで分けられている。
In this classification, they are divided at the superclass level.
noun
top-ranking priest in the Office of Monastic Affairs
Archaic Buddhist term for a high-ranking priest in the historical Office of Monastic Affairs (僧綱). Rare outside historical or religious contexts.
See also: 僧綱
上綱は僧綱の最高位の僧侶を指した。
Jōkō referred to the highest-ranking priest in the Office of Monastic Affairs.
僧綱 is the Office of Monastic Affairs itself; 上綱 is the top-ranking priest within that office.
From 上 (upper, top) + 綱 (class, order). The biological sense is a modern calque for 'superclass'; the Buddhist sense is an archaic title.