definition of
kernel

[1] #1 kernel n. [meat] the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone; "black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell". wn

[2] #2 kernel n. a single whole grain of a cereal; "a kernel of corn". wn

[3] #3 kernel n. [substance, core, center, centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty] the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story". wn