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

Originally, granum referred to individual seeds or kernels of cereal plants, but its meaning expanded to include small particles, measurements (like grains of salt or sand), and even textures in materials (like wood grain). —Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Add the vegetable broth and corn kernels and continue to cook until the corn is heated through, about 5 minutes. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 28 Sep. 2024

Have your child choose from baby carrots, a cheese stick, or roasted corn kernels on the side to balance out the lunch. —Toby Amidor, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Parents, 11 Sep. 2024

Mystery ingredients so far have included popcorn kernels, baby octopus, bone marrow and pickle juice. —Selene San Felice, Axios, 31 July 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