noun
Uncommon
kernel
KUR-nuhl
Kernel (noun) means the soft, edible part inside a nut or seed, once the hard shell or husk is removed. Example: “She cracked the walnut and ate the kernel inside.”
noun
1
The soft, edible part inside a nut or seed, once the hard shell or husk is removed.
"She cracked the walnut and ate the kernel inside."
"Each ear of corn holds hundreds of kernels."
"Squirrels crack open acorns to reach the kernel inside."
2
The core or most essential part of an idea, argument, or system.
"There's a kernel of truth in what he said, even if the rest is exaggerated."
"The kernel of her plan was simple: spend less and save more."
"Strip away the detail and the kernel of the argument is quite short."
3
Computing: the central part of an operating system that controls hardware and manages how programs communicate with it.
"A kernel panic forced the server to reboot."
"Linux developers spend years refining the kernel's scheduler."
"The kernel lets every program share the computer's memory without getting in each other's way."
How to use kernel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe core or seed-like center of something — literally a nut/seed, or figuratively an operating system's core, or the essential part of an idea.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "colonel" (a military rank) — they sound alike but are spelled and mean completely differently.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
kernel of truth
corn kernel
Linux kernel
kernel panic
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Word forms
- Plural
- kernels
- Third person singular
- kernels
- Past tense
- kerneled, kernelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She cracked the walnut and ate the _____ inside.
Etymology
From Old English cyrnel, a diminutive of "corn" — so a kernel is literally a "little grain".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for kernel
See all rhymes for kernel →Frequently asked questions
What does “kernel” mean?
The word “kernel” means the soft, edible part inside a nut or seed, once the hard shell or husk is removed. In plain terms, the core or seed-like center of something — literally a nut/seed, or figuratively an operating system's core, or the essential part of an idea.
How do you pronounce “kernel”?
“Kernel” is pronounced KUR-nuhl (/ˈkɝ.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “kernel” in a sentence?
Here is “kernel” used in a sentence: “She cracked the walnut and ate the kernel inside.”
What part of speech is “kernel”?
“Kernel” is a noun.
Where does the word “kernel” come from?
The word “kernel” comes from Old English. From Old English cyrnel, a diminutive of "corn" — so a kernel is literally a "little grain".
Is “kernel” a common word?
“Kernel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “kernel” have?
“Kernel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the soft, edible part inside a nut or seed, once the hard shell or husk is removed.
What is the difference between a kernel and a seed?
A kernel is specifically the soft, edible part inside a nut or seed once the hard shell or husk is removed, while a seed can refer to the whole structure including its outer coating. In other words, the kernel is the inner, usable portion, not the entire seed.
What is a kernel in computing?
In computing, the kernel is the central part of an operating system that controls hardware and manages how programs communicate with it. It sits between applications and the physical hardware, handling low-level tasks that other software relies on.
Is the kernel the same as the operating system?
No, the kernel is only the central part of an operating system, not the entire system. It specifically controls hardware and manages communication between hardware and programs, while the operating system as a whole includes additional software layered on top.
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