Hypertext Webster Gateway: "kernel"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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}.
' A were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel
--Shak.
2. A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn.
3. A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a
nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
4. The central, substantial or essential part of anything;
the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Kernel \Ker"nel\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Kerneled}or {Kernelled};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Kerneling} or {Kernelling}.]
To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
kernel
n 1: 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: {meat}]
2: a single whole grain of a cereal: "a kernel of corn"
3: 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: {substance}, {core}, {center},
{essence}, {gist}, {heart}, {heart and soul}, {inwardness},
{marrow}, {meat}, {nub}, {pith}, {sum}, {nitty-gritty}]
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