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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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