kernel

[ kur-nl ]

See synonyms for kernel on Thesaurus.com

noun

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),ker·neled, ker·nel·ing or (especially British) ker·nelled, ker·nel·ling.

to enclose as a kernel.

Origin of kernel

before 1000; Middle English kirnel,Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn seed, corn¹

Other words from kernel

ker·nel·less, adjective
ker·nel·ly, adjective

Words Nearby kernel

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use kernel in a sentence

Asked to mask up, one passenger pulled out a large bag of popcorn and nibbled her way through it, kernel by kernel, stymieing the cabin crew for the length of the flight.
Sneezed on, cussed at, ignored: Airline workers battle mask resistance with scant government backup | Michael Laris | January 1, 2021 | Washington Post
There are even ways to detect if a kernel is not full inside the shell.
The machines that get walnuts from trees to your mouth | Katie McLean | December 18, 2020 | MIT Technology Review
The other kernels are still getting hot, the heat is on, and they’re going to pop no matter what.
Edward Lazear, Bush’s top economist during financial crisis, dies at 72 | Emily Langer | December 2, 2020 | Washington Post
When you make popcorn, you heat it up in a pan and, as the kernels get hot, they pop.
Edward Lazear, Bush’s top economist during financial crisis, dies at 72 | Emily Langer | December 2, 2020 | Washington Post
All the rest he labeled prokaryotes, for life “before kernel.”
Did Viruses Create the Nucleus? The Answer May Be Near. | Christie Wilcox | November 25, 2020 | Quanta Magazine

Meanwhile, a tiny rebellion is brewing—the kernel, it seems, for the future Rebel Alliance.
‘Star Wars Rebels’ Explores the Jedi’s Lost Years Between the Prequels and the Original Trilogy | Annaliza Savage | August 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The kernel at the center of Downton Abbey is that ever-appropriate sigh: “Kids these days!”
‘Downton Abbey’ Finale Review: The Depressing Demise of a Once-Great Show | Kevin Fallon | February 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
However, with our story, to give it dramatic tension, it was almost based on a kernel of truth.
Steve Coogan Makes His Bid For Some Serious, Dramatic Roles | Andrew Romano | November 29, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
"It's really your fault," Veda wails, and Mildred recognizes the kernel of truth in her accusation.
Hollywood's Bad Mother Obsession | Stephen Farber | December 29, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
As the Grand Old Party assumes control of the House, an old kernel of wisdom from the likely future Speaker seems newly relevant.
Return of the Boozy Politician | Rebecca Dana, Samuel P. Jacobs | November 5, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
This fruit is of the best description; it is full and juicy, and has a long, broad kernel in the middle.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida Pfeiffer
It is about the size of a nut, with a brown verrucous outside; the edible part is white and tender, and the kernel black.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida Pfeiffer
The kernel is almost the same colour as the nutmeg, but it has no net-work: it is dried in the shade.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida Pfeiffer
From the Minority Report proposals, thus succinctly put, we have so far omitted what is really the kernel of the whole matter.
English Poor Law Policy | Sidney Webb
We are now approaching the fort and palace, the kernel of the city, which it is best to see after the ridge.
Round the Wonderful World | G. E. Mitton

British Dictionary definitions for kernel

kernel

/ (ˈkɜːnəl) /

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-nels, -nelling or -nelled or US -nels, -neling or -neled

(intr) rare to form kernels

Origin of kernel

Old English cyrnel a little seed, from corn seed; see corn 1

Derived forms of kernel

kernel-less, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for kernel

kernel

[ kûr′nəl ]

A grain or seed, as of a cereal grass, enclosed in a husk.
The inner, usually edible seed of a nut or fruit stone.

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