kernel
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.
to enclose as a kernel.
Origin of kernel
1Other words from kernel
- ker·nel·less, adjective
- ker·nel·ly, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use kernel in a sentence
As good as a ripe October peach with a doubled kernelled pit in it, and generous as summer sunshine.
Hesper, the Home-Spirit | Elizabeth Doten
British Dictionary definitions for kernel
/ (ˈkɜːnəl) /
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
(intr) rare to form kernels
Origin of kernel
1Derived 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
[ 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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