Kernel
Kernel , noun
[Old English kernel, kirnel, curnel, Anglo-Saxon cyrnel, from corn grain. See Corn, and compare 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.
'A were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel
2.
A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn.
3.
A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
4.
The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument.
Kernel , intransitive verb
To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.