kernel

noun

ker·​nel ˈkər-nᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
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 truthS. 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

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 In truth, there are actually six ingredients: ½ cup of popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, one bag of mini marshmallows, ½ cup of butter, a cap-full of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Though heavily fictionalized, there is a historical kernel of truth in these fantastical depictions. Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 Heat oil and 3 kernels in large saucepan over medium-high heat until kernels pop. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Each chapter of The New Leviathans begins with a quotation from Leviathan, Hobbes’s major treatise on state power, as if to provide the reader with a kernel of truth and an ominous warning about what is to come. Helena Rosenblatt, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The most famous examples of these elements, known formally as transposons, are the jumping genes found to control kernel color in corn — work that led to a Nobel Prize for geneticist Barbara McClintock. Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Simply place the kernels in the bowl and microwave for two to four minutes. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2024 Overcooking your corn can make the kernels soggy, according to the Food Network. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and place them in a large bowl. Julia Turshen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kernel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of kernel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near kernel

Cite this Entry

“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kernel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kernel

noun
ker·​nel ˈkərn-ᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

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