noun
A large vessel that serves as a base for smaller craft, such as submarines, seaplanes, or torpedo boats. Common in military and naval contexts.
潜水母艦は潜水艦の補給と整備を行う。
A submarine tender supplies and maintains submarines.
この空母は艦載機の母艦として機能する
This aircraft carrier functions as a mother ship for its aircraft.
Compound of 母 (mother) and 艦 (warship). The term likely originated in naval contexts to describe a ship that acts as a base for smaller vessels.