kernel

[kur-nl]

noun

1. the softer, usually edible part contained in the shell of a nut or the stone of a fruit.

2. the body of a seed within its husk or integuments.

3. a whole seed grain, as of wheat or corn.

4. South Atlantic States.,  the pit or seed of a peach, cherry, plum, etc.

5. the central or most important part of anything; essence; gist; core.

   His leadership is the kernel of the organization.

6. Mathematics.,  the set of elements that a given function from one set to a second set maps into the identity of the second set.

7. Also called rumpf. Physical Chemistry.,  the remainder of an atom after the valence electrons have been removed.

verb (used with object)

kerneled, kerneling , kernelled, kernelling .

1. to enclose as a kernel.

kernel

/ ˈkɜːnəl /

noun

1. the edible central part of a seed, nut, or fruit within the shell or stone

2. the grain of a cereal, esp wheat, consisting of the seed in a hard husk

3. the central or essential part of something

verb

1. rare,  (intr) to form kernels

kernel

1. A grain or seed, as of a cereal grass, enclosed in a husk.

2. The inner, usually edible seed of a nut or fruit stone.

Other Word Forms

• kernel-less adjective
• kernelless adjective
• kernelly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kernel¹

before 1000; Middle English kirnel, Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn seed, corn ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of kernel¹

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

Example Sentences

You’re not looking to fully blacken every kernel, just enough scorch to bring out that toasty, nutty edge.

From Salon

On her website, she sells apricot kernels for their "potential health benefits" along with nutritional supplements, and offers information and advice.

From BBC

I’m not ashamed to say we have tried all the fancy popcorn kernels, but honestly, I feel like Orville gives you the best pop, so that’s what we buy.

From Los Angeles Times

Talk about the genesis of this show, because it actually predates “This Is Us,” the kernel of the idea.

From Los Angeles Times

But as Escola tells it, this kernel of a larger concept was too precious to let go of back then.

From Salon

Related Words

• fruit 
• grain 
• meat 
• morsel 
• nut