kernel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a single whole grain of a cereal

   A kernel of corn.

2. 2
   noun

   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.

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”).

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