the softer, usually edible part contained in the shell of a nut or the stone of a fruit.

the body of a seed within its husk or integuments.

a whole seed grain, as of wheat or corn.

South Atlantic States . the pit or seed of a peach, cherry, plum, etc.

the central or most important part of anything; essence; gist; core

His leadership is the kernel of the organization.

Mathematics . the set of elements that a given function from one set to a second set maps into the identity of the second set.

Also called rumpf. Physical Chemistry . the remainder of an atom after the valence electrons have been removed.

to enclose as a kernel.

noun

atom , bit , center , core , crux , fruit , germ , gist , grain , heart , hub , keynote , marrow , matter , meat , morsel , nub , nubbin , nut , part , piece , pith , root , substance , upshotnotes:a kernel is the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain , while a colonel is a commissioned military rank , pip , pit , bud , embryo , nucleus , seed , spark , essence , quintessence , soul , spirit , stuff , chromosome , issue , nidus , stone