kernel

Everyday

1. A kernel is the soft part inside a nut or the seed inside the hard stone of a fruit. tree →
2. A kernel is a whole seed of a grain such as corn (maize) or wheat: popcorn is made of corn kernels. tree →
3. The kernel of something is its most important central part: «a kernel of truth». tree →
4. (computing) The kernel is the core part of a computer's operating system that controls everything else. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about seeds, a kernel is the part that can grow into a new plant and stores food. In cooking, popcorn kernels pop when heated because the water inside turns to steam. In stories and arguments, «a kernel of truth» means a small true part inside a mostly false story. Phrases: «corn kernels», «popcorn kernels», «a kernel of truth».

Examples

• Popcorn kernels pop when you heat them. tree →
• Squirrels crack hazelnuts to eat the kernel. tree →
• Each corn cob has hundreds of kernels. tree →
• The rumour had a kernel of truth in it. tree →
• Wheat kernels are ground into flour. tree →
• Some kernels did not pop and stayed hard at the bottom of the bowl. tree →
• The computer's kernel controls the memory and the screen. tree →
• They soon gathered some, cracked them, and ate the fine young kernels, which were only just ripe. tree →

Note

Plural «kernels». Homophone trap: «kernel» sounds the same as «colonel» (an army officer), spelled very differently.

In Jewish tradition

In science lessons about seeds, a kernel is the part that can grow into a new plant and stores food. In cooking, popcorn kernels pop when heated because the water inside turns to steam. In stories and arguments, «a kernel of truth» means a small true part inside a mostly false story. Phrases: «corn kernels», «popcorn kernels», «a kernel of truth».

Note

Plural «kernels». Homophone trap: «kernel» sounds the same as «colonel» (an army officer), spelled very differently.