ker·nel 
/ˈkɚnl̟/ noun
plural ker·nels /ˈkɚnl̟/ noun [count] 1 a : the small, somewhat soft part inside a seed or nut
b : a whole seed ; especially : one of the yellow seeds that cover an ear of corn
▪ a kernel of corn — see color picture 2 : a very small amount of something
▪ There's not a kernel of truth in what they say. ▪ kernels of wisdom 3 : the origin or basis of something
▪ the kernel [=germ] of the idea for the book
b : a whole seed ; especially : one of the yellow seeds that cover an ear of corn
▪ a kernel of corn — see color picture
▪ There's not a kernel of truth in what they say. ▪ kernels of wisdom
▪ the kernel [=germ] of the idea for the book
