kernel

n. [ OE. kernel, kirnel, curnel, AS. cyrnel, fr. corn grain. See Corn, and cf. Kern to harden. ] 1. The essential part of a seed; all that is within the seed walls; the edible substance contained in the shell of a nut; hence, anything included in a shell, husk, or integument; as, the kernel of a nut. See Illust. of Endocarp. [ 1913 Webster ]

'A were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Kerneled it>or Kernelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Kerneling or Kernelling. ] To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.

{ , a. Having a kernel. [ 1913 Webster ]