Meaning

The core, center, or essence of an object or system..

Definitions by Sense

1. The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
2. (botany) The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
3. (botany) A single seed of grain, especially of corn or wheat.
4. (botany, US) The stone of certain fruits, such as peaches or plums.
5. A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
6. (computing) The central part of many computer operating systems which manages the system's resources and the communication between hardware and software components.
7. (computing) The core engine of any complex software system.
8. (programming) The simplified input to an algorithm that has undergone kernelization.

Example Sentences

the kernel of an argument

The Linux kernel is open-source.

The Dirichlet kernel convolved with a function yields its Fourier series approximation.

If a function is continuous then its kernel is a closed set.

Using the blunt end of one of the vibraphone mallets, he pried open her folds. With the balled end of the other, he rhythmically rolled over her kernel.

1. In every atom is an essential kernel which remains unaltered in all ordinary chemical changes and which possesses an excess of positive charges corresponding in number to the ordinal number of the group in the periodic table to which the element belongs.

Word Forms

• kernels
• kerneling
• kernelling
• kerneled
• kernelled

Synonyms for kernel

Antonyms for kernel

Related Words

When Should You Use Kernel?

Use kernel when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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