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Added 6 October 2026

kernel

/ˈkɜː.nəl/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about kernel at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
the kernel of an argument
The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
A single seed of grain, especially of corn or wheat.

verb

To enclose within a kernel
To crenellate

Origin

From Middle English kernel, kirnel, kürnel, from Old English cyrnel, from Proto-West Germanic *kurnil, diminutive of Proto-Germanic *kurną (“seed, grain, corn”), equivalent to corn + -le. Cognate with Yiddish קערנדל (kerndl), Middle Dutch kernel, cornel, Middle High German kornel. Related also to Old Norse kjarni (“kernel”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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