noun

kernel

kernel, core, nucleus, pip

A popcorn kernel is a type of corn.

A popcorn kernel is a type of corn.

This is the kernel of the problem.

This is the kernel of the problem.

The operating system kernel manages the hardware.

The operating system kernel manages the hardware.

a kernel of ((sth.)) the central or most important part of (sth.) This is the kernel of the argument.

Synonyms: core, seed, nucleus, gist

From Old English 'cyrnel', a diminutive of 'corn'.

Think of a corn kernel, the small, hard centre. This idea of a central part extends to the core of an issue.

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