'Kernel' definitions:
Definition of 'kernel'
(from WordNet)
noun
The inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone; "black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell" [syn: kernel, meat]
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; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story" [syn: kernel, substance, core, center, centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty- gritty]
Definition of 'Kernel'
From: GCIDE
- Kernel \Ker"nel\, n. [OE. kernel, kirnel, curnel, AS. cyrnel, fr. corn grain. See Corn, and cf. Kern to harden.]
- 1. 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. [1913 Webster]
- 'A were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn. [1913 Webster]
- 3. A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh. [1913 Webster]
- 4. The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Kernel'
From: GCIDE
- Kernel \Ker"nel\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Kerneledor Kernelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Kerneling or Kernelling.] To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels. Kerneled