kernel

The definition of a kernel is a grain or seed, or the most important part of something.

(noun)

  1. An example of a kernel is one uncooked piece of corn.
  2. An example of a kernel is the core of ones religious beliefs.

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See kernel in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a grain or seed, as of corn, wheat, etc.
  2. the inner, softer part of a nut, fruit pit, etc.
  3. the central, most important part of something; core; essence

Origin: ME < OE cyrnel < base of corn, seed (see corn) + -el, dim. suffix

transitive verb kerneled or kernelled, kerneling or kernelling

to enclose as a kernel

See kernel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  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.
  3. The most material and central part; the core: “that hard kernel of gaiety that never breaks” (Evelyn Waugh).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English cyrnel; see gṛə-no- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • kerˈneled adjective

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