noun
many objects (for study); wide range of subjects
Refers to a broad collection of items or topics, often in an academic or reference context. Rarely used alone; typically appears in compounds like 百科事典 (encyclopedia) or 百科全書 (encyclopedia).
百科の知識を集めた書物。
A book that gathers knowledge on many subjects.
noun
Abbreviation of 百科事典 or 百科全書. Common in compound titles and casual reference.
See also: 百科事典
子供向けの百科を買った。
I bought an encyclopedia for children.
百科で調べてみよう。
Let's look it up in the encyclopedia.
From Middle Chinese-derived elements 百 (hundred, many) and 科 (category, subject). The abbreviation sense developed from compounds like 百科事典.