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View synonyms for kernel

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)

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

/ kûrnəl /

  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.


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Derived Forms

  • ˈkernel-less, adjective

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Other Words From

  • kernel·less adjective
  • kernel·ly adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of kernel1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of kernel1

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

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Example Sentences

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.

There are even ways to detect if a kernel is not full inside the shell.

The other kernels are still getting hot, the heat is on, and they’re going to pop no matter what.

When you make popcorn, you heat it up in a pan and, as the kernels get hot, they pop.

All the rest he labeled prokaryotes, for life “before kernel.”

Meanwhile, a tiny rebellion is brewing—the kernel, it seems, for the future Rebel Alliance.

The kernel at the center of Downton Abbey is that ever-appropriate sigh: “Kids these days!”

However, with our story, to give it dramatic tension, it was almost based on a kernel of truth.

"It's really your fault," Veda wails, and Mildred recognizes the kernel of truth in her accusation.

As the Grand Old Party assumes control of the House, an old kernel of wisdom from the likely future Speaker seems newly relevant.

This fruit is of the best description; it is full and juicy, and has a long, broad kernel in the middle.

It is about the size of a nut, with a brown verrucous outside; the edible part is white and tender, and the kernel black.

The kernel is almost the same colour as the nutmeg, but it has no net-work: it is dried in the shade.

From the Minority Report proposals, thus succinctly put, we have so far omitted what is really the kernel of the whole matter.

We are now approaching the fort and palace, the kernel of the city, which it is best to see after the ridge.

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kernkernel sentence