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.
Mammals belong to the superclass of vertebrates.
In this classification, they are divided at the superclass level.
Jōkō referred to the highest-ranking priest in the Office of Monastic Affairs.
From 上 (upper, top) + 綱 (class, order). The biological sense is a modern calque for 'superclass'; the Buddhist sense is an archaic title.