kernels
/ˈkɜːrnlz/
NOUN
1. The central or essential parts of something
The most important, fundamental, or central elements of an idea, argument, object, or system.
1.1. Essential ideas and meanings
The fundamental ideas, central meanings, or most important points contained in an argument, explanation, theory, or discussion.
Synonyms
- essences
- cores
- gists
- cruxes
- piths
- nubs
- substances
- bottom lines
- main points
- central ideas
Antonyms
- trivialities
- superficialities
- irrelevancies
- details
Examples
- The researchers identified several kernels of truth in the historical accounts.
- The kernels of their arguments were similar despite their different conclusions.
- The presentation focused on the kernels of the proposed strategy.
Related Words
- themes
- theses
- propositions
- purports
- hypotheses
- keynotes
- principles
1.2. Central components of systems or structures
The principal or indispensable components around which larger organizations, structures, or systems are built or operate.
Synonyms
- cores
- centers
- nuclei
- hearts
- pivots
- centerpieces
- linchpins
- cornerstones
Antonyms
- peripheries
- outskirts
- outer layers
- margins
Examples
- These research institutions became the kernels of scientific innovation in the region.
- The central committees served as the kernels of the new political movement.
- The small communities formed the kernels of larger settlements.
Related Words
- foundations
- backbones
- keystones
- bedrocks
- frameworks
- underpinnings
- mainstays
NOUN
2. The edible inner parts of nuts
The inner, usually edible portions of nuts, especially after their hard outer shells have been removed.
2.1. Edible nut interiors
The nutritious inner portions of nuts that are exposed when their hard shells are cracked or removed.
Synonyms
- nutmeats
- nut meats
Examples
- The roasted kernels were mixed with dried fruit for the snack.
- The manufacturer processes almond kernels into flour and oil.
- The walnut kernels were removed from their shells before packaging.
Related Words
- nuts
- shells
- almonds
- walnuts
- hazelnuts
- pistachios
NOUN
3. Individual seeds or grains
Individual seeds or grains, particularly those of cereal plants such as corn and wheat.
3.1. Corn and cereal grains
Individual edible grains or seeds harvested from cereal crops, especially corn, wheat, and similar plants.
Synonyms
- grains
- seeds
Examples
- The farmers collected thousands of corn kernels after the harvest.
- Popcorn kernels were heated until they burst into fluffy pieces.
- The archaeologists discovered ancient maize kernels at the excavation site.
Related Words
- maize
- corn
- wheat
- cereals
- cobs
- harvest
NOUN
4. The stones or pits inside certain fruits
The hard inner structures found inside certain fleshy fruits, such as peaches, plums, and apricots.
4.1. Fruit stones and pits
The hard central structures inside stone fruits that enclose and protect their seeds.
Synonyms
- stones
- pits
Examples
- The fruit kernels were removed before the peaches were processed.
- Some apricot kernels contain compounds that can be harmful if consumed.
- The plums were cut open to remove their stones.
Related Words
- peaches
- plums
- apricots
- cherries
- seeds
- fruit flesh
NOUN
5. Small central masses or concretions
Small, compact masses around which other material accumulates or forms, including hard lumps or concretions in bodily tissue.
5.1. Nuclei and mineral concretions
Small central masses that act as nuclei for the accumulation or formation of surrounding material.
Synonyms
- nuclei
- cores
- concretions
- nodules
Examples
- The mineral deposits developed around tiny kernels of foreign material.
- The researchers examined the kernels at the centers of the concretions.
Related Words
NOUN
6. The central components of operating systems
The fundamental software components of operating systems that manage system resources and coordinate communication between hardware and software.
6.1. Operating system architecture
The core software components responsible for managing memory, processes, devices, and interactions between hardware and software.
Synonyms
- operating system cores
- OS cores
Examples
- The updated kernels improve hardware compatibility and system security.
- Linux distributions often provide different kernels for specialized hardware.
- The developers tested the new kernels before deploying them to production systems.
Related Words
- device drivers
- system calls
- memory management
- process management
- hardware abstraction
- operating systems
NOUN
7. The core engines of software systems
The fundamental processing components that provide the essential functionality of complex software applications or systems.
7.1. Software processing engines
The central software components that perform essential operations or coordinate the primary processing functions of larger applications.
Synonyms
- cores
- engines
- core engines
Examples
- The developers redesigned the software kernels to improve processing efficiency.
- Several computational kernels were optimized to handle large datasets.
- The application relies on specialized kernels to perform its main operations.
Related Words
- software architecture
- runtimes
- frameworks
- backends
- processing systems
- application logic
NOUN
8. Sets of inputs mapped to the same value
Sets of elements or pairs of elements in the domain of a mapping that are mapped to the same output value.
8.1. Fibers of mathematical mappings
Collections of domain elements that a mapping sends to the same value in its codomain.
Synonyms
- fibers
- fibres
Examples
- The mathematicians compared the kernels of several mappings.
- Each fiber contains the elements of the domain that share the same image.
Related Words
- mappings
- functions
- domains
- codomains
- preimages
- equivalence relations
NOUN
9. Null spaces of linear transformations
Sets of all elements in the domains of linear transformations that are mapped to the zero element of their codomains.
9.1. Linear algebra null spaces
Subspaces consisting of vectors that a linear transformation maps to the zero vector.
Synonyms
- null spaces
- nullspaces
Examples
- The kernels of the matrices were calculated using Gaussian elimination.
- The null spaces describe all vectors that the corresponding transformations map to zero.
Related Words
NOUN
10. The human clitoris
The clitoris, an external female genital organ containing erectile tissue and sensory nerve endings.
10.1. Human anatomy
An anatomical term referring to the clitoris, particularly in descriptions of its internal and external structures.
Synonyms
- clitorises
- clitorides
Examples
- The anatomical illustration showed the internal structures of the clitoris.
Related Words
NOUN
11. The inner structure of atoms excluding valence electrons
The atomic nuclei together with the non-valence electrons, excluding the outer electrons involved in chemical bonding.
11.1. Atomic structure and chemistry
The inner portions of atoms consisting of their nuclei and non-valence electrons, distinguished from the outer electrons involved in bonding.
Synonyms
- atomic cores
Examples
- The atomic kernels remain relatively stable during ordinary chemical reactions.
- The model distinguishes atomic kernels from the valence electrons involved in bonding.
Related Words
- atomic nuclei
- core electrons
- valence electrons
- electron shells
- atomic structures