kernel Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone
meat.
- black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell
noun a single whole grain of a cereal
- a kernel of corn
noun the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
substance; center; centre; nitty-gritty; essence; sum; meat; heart; pith; nub; heart and soul; core; inwardness; marrow; gist.
- the gist of the prosecutor's argument
- the heart and soul of the Republican Party
- the nub of the story

OE. kernel, kirnel, curnel, AS.cyrnel, fr. corn grain. See Corn, and cf. Kern to harden.

The essential part of a seed; all that is within the seed walls; the edible substance contained in the shell of a nut; hence, anything included in a shell, husk, or integument; as, the kernel of a nut. See Illust. of Endocarp.
' A were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel Shak.
A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn.
A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument.

imperfect & past participle Kerneled ∨ Kernelled; present participle & verbal noun Kerneling ∨ Kernelling