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

Start with a kernel of an idea and then build from there. —Tracy Brower, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The kernels can become sticky during rainy or humid periods and plug up feeder ports. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024

It’s made of uranium, carbon, and oxygen encapsulated in graphite kernels the size of a poppy seed. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Dec. 2024

Cole says that the crucial insight was to use telemetry taken from as close to the kernel as possible to tune machine learning models for detection. —Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 4 Dec. 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