kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl 

1

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

… as brown in hue as hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.

—William Shakespeare

2

: a whole seed of a cereal

a kernel of corn

3

: a central or essential part : germ

like many stereotypes … this one too contains some kernels of truth

—S. M. Lyman

4

chiefly dialectal : a fruit seed

5

mathematics : a subset of the elements of one set (such as a group) that a function (such as a homomorphism) maps onto an identity element of another set

Synonyms

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• centerpiece
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of kernel in a Sentence

There's not a kernel of truth in what they say.

the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space

Recent Examples on the Web

Or for a fresh take, try the garden variety, complete with ricotta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, and basil leaves. —Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

Remove pan from heat, add remaining kernels, cover and let sit off heat for 30 seconds. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

While this exploration of the the differences between the two American coasts is ultimately light-hearted, there is a kernel of truth deep inside WordFinder's report. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

The reverse is true, too: fiction, from Ibsen to Jude, has always contained a kernel, at the least, of reality. —The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024

Cornstarch This fine powdery starch is made from finely ground corn kernels and is used primarily as a thickening agent. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2024

To put it another way, disinformation peddlers need only make a claim that sounds plausible or might even have a small kernel of truth to influence the unwary. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024

In truth, there are actually six ingredients: ½ cup of popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, one bag of mini marshmallows, ½ cup of butter, a cap-full of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024

Though heavily fictionalized, there is a historical kernel of truth in these fantastical depictions. —Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing kernel

• pine kernel

Kids Definition

kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl 

1

a

: the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut

b

: a whole grain or seed of a cereal (as wheat or corn)

2

: a central or basic part

a kernel of truth in what they say