ker ‧ nel /ˈkɜːnl $ ˈkɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: cyrnel , from corn ; ⇨ ↑ corn ]
1 . the part of a nut or seed inside the shell, or the part inside the stone of some fruits
2 . [usually singular] one of the small yellow pieces on a corn ↑ cob
3 . [usually singular] the most important part of a statement, idea, plan etc SYN core
kernel of
This evidence is the kernel of the defendants’ case.
4 . [usually singular] a very small part or amount of something
kernel of
There may be a kernel of truth in what he says.