kernel
Americannoun
-
the softer, usually edible part contained in the shell of a nut or the stone of a fruit.
-
the body of a seed within its husk or integuments.
-
a whole seed grain, as of wheat or corn.
-
South Atlantic States. the pit or seed of a peach, cherry, plum, etc.
-
the central or most important part of anything; essence; gist; core.
His leadership is the kernel of the organization.
-
Mathematics. the set of elements that a given function from one set to a second set maps into the identity of the second set.
-
Also called rumpf. Physical Chemistry. the remainder of an atom after the valence electrons have been removed.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
the edible central part of a seed, nut, or fruit within the shell or stone
-
the grain of a cereal, esp wheat, consisting of the seed in a hard husk
-
the central or essential part of something
verb
-
A grain or seed, as of a cereal grass, enclosed in a husk.
-
The inner, usually edible seed of a nut or fruit stone.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of kernel
before 1000; Middle English kirnel, Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn seed, corn 1
Explanation
Whether it’s the kernel of a pistachio nut or the kernel of wisdom in a story, kernel can refer to the center or essential part of something. The word kernel traces back to the Old English word cyrnel, which is related to corn. If you have ever eaten corn on the cob, you ate the kernels. Popcorn is made by heating corn kernels until they explode, or "pop." Like these examples, sometimes kernel means "a small bit" or "single piece," as in a story someone tells you that couldn't possibly have happened as described, but still has a kernel of truth about human nature.
Vocabulary lists containing kernel
Words from Shakespearean Insults
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Drama
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"When Cultures Meet"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One of Ukraine's biggest agricultural goods exporters, Kernel exported 92,000 tons of grain, 98,000 tons of sunflower oil and 67,000 tons of sunflower meal in August.
From Reuters • Sep. 7, 2023
One site destroyed was a grain terminal owned by one of Ukraine's biggest producers, Kernel.
From BBC • Jul. 23, 2023
The app Raghavan used is called HAWK, or Hostile Activity Watch Kernel, and it appears to be the first such digital intelligence gathering system for wildlife crime in India.
From Slate • Jul. 10, 2023
The Kentucky Kernel, the independent student newspaper at the University of Kentucky, put out a statement after the incident that involved its journalist.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2023
"No," ses I, "Kernel, that wouldn't do eny how."
From Letters of Major Jack Downing, of the Downingville Militia by Smith, Seba
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
