Ker"nel (?), 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.
' A were as good crack a fusty nut with no
kernel
Shak.
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.
Ker"nel, v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Kerneled (?) or Kernelled; p. pr.
& vb. n. Kerneling or Kernelling.] To
harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.
