kernel
kernel Lexical Profile
kernel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The central, most essential, or fundamental part of a subject, idea, or problem.
"Despite the exaggerations in his story, there was a kernel of truth at its core."
The softer, usually edible part contained within the shell of a nut or the stone of a fruit, or a whole seed of a cereal plant.
"She carefully cracked the tough walnut shell to extract the intact kernel inside."
The core foundational program of a computer's operating system that maintains complete control over everything in the system, including hardware interactions.
"If a critical error occurs in the Linux kernel, the entire system may panic and require a reboot."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'kernel' is a commonly confused homophone with the military rank 'colonel', though they have entirely different etymologies and meanings.
• Rhymes for kernel
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cyrnel', a diminutive of 'corn' (meaning seed or grain) combined with the diminutive suffix '-el', literally translating to 'small seed'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.