ker
nel
Plural
kernels
1
an individual whole grain from a cereal plant
- A kernel of corn got stuck in my teeth.
- The bag was full of golden wheat kernels.
- Each kernel of rice was perfectly cooked.
- A single kernel can grow into a tall stalk of grain.
- They roasted the popcorn kernels over the fire.
2
the inner part of a seed, nut, or fruit pit that is often edible
- He bit into the peach and carefully removed the kernel from the pit.
- They found the kernel of truth in the rumors circulating around town.
- She cracked the walnut shell to reveal the kernel inside.
- He enjoyed eating the roasted pumpkin kernels as a healthy snack.
- The sunflower seeds were roasted to enhance the flavor of the kernels.
Synonyms:
3
the central or most important part of an idea, experience, or piece of information
- There's a kernel of truth in every rumor.
- The kernel of his argument is that education should be free.
- She found a kernel of hope in his words.
- The book's kernel is the struggle for personal freedom.
- His speech contained the kernel of a revolutionary idea.