kernel
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ker·nel
noun \ˈkər-nəl\Definition of KERNEL
1
chiefly dialect : a fruit seed
2
: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
3
: a whole seed of a cereal <a kernel of corn>
4
: a central or essential part : germ <like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth — S. M. Lyman>
5
: a subset of the elements of one set (as a group) that a function (as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set
See Examples of KERNEL
- There's not a kernel of truth in what they say.
- <the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of the division of that nation along ethnic lines>
Origin of KERNEL
Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to KERNEL
- Synonyms
- bottom line, bull's-eye, centerpiece, core, essence, gist, heart, crux, keynote, meat, meat and potatoes, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, point, root, sum
Other Botany Terms
Learn More About KERNEL
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up kernel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
