Kernal vs. Kernel: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 12, 2024
"Kernal" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "Kernel," referring to the central or essential part, often in seeds or grains.
Which is correct: Kernal or Kernel
How to spell Kernel?
Kernal is Incorrect
Kernel is Correct
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Key Differences
"Kernel" rhymes with "fern-el," keeping the "e" in mind.
Think of "corn kernel" – both have an "e" before the "l."
Imagine a seed's central part: the "kernel" inside.
Associate "kernel" with "central" – the essence or core.
Remember that "Kernel" contains an "e" before the "l," just like "central" which is its synonym.
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Correct usage of Kernel
He found a hard kernal inside the peach.
He found a hard kernel inside the peach.
A single corn kernal can produce an entire stalk.
A single corn kernel can produce an entire stalk.
The computer's operating system has a new kernal update.
The computer's operating system has a new kernel update.
The scientist explained the kernal of his theory in simple terms.
The scientist explained the kernel of his theory in simple terms.
She enjoys eating popcorn, but doesn’t like getting kernal bits stuck in her teeth.
She enjoys eating popcorn, but doesn’t like getting kernel bits stuck in her teeth.
Kernel Definitions
The essential or central part of something.
The kernel of truth in the story was hard to find.
The edible part of a seed, grain, or nut.
I enjoy eating the kernel of a sunflower seed.
A fundamental aspect of computer operating systems.
The kernel manages the computer's resources efficiently.
The nucleus or most important part of a particular idea or argument.
Her speech had a kernel of inspiration.
A grain or seed, as of a cereal grass, enclosed in a husk.
The usually edible seed inside the hard covering of a nut or fruit stone.
The central or most important part; the core
"The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services" (Sinclair Lewis).
A small amount of something, especially when potentially developing into something else
Detected a kernel of anger in his remarks.
The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
The kernel of an argument
(botany) The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
(botany) A single seed or grain, especially of corn or wheat.
The stone of certain fruits, such as peaches or plums.
A small mass around which other matter is concreted; a nucleus; a concretion or hard lump in the flesh.
(computing) The central part of many computer operating systems which manages the system's resources and the communication between hardware and software components.
The Linux kernel is open-source.
(computing) The core engine of any complex software system.
(calculus) A function used to define an integral transform.
The Dirichlet kernel convolved with a function yields its Fourier series approximation.
(mathematics) A set of pairs of a mapping's domain which are mapped to the same value.
For a given function (especially a linear map between vector spaces), the set of elements in the domain which are mapped to zero; (formally) given f : X → Y, the set {x ∈ X : f(x) = 0}.
If a function is continuous then its kernel is a closed set.
For a category with zero morphisms: the equalizer of a given morphism and the zero morphism which is parallel to that given morphism.
The set of members of a fuzzy set that are fully included (i.e., whose grade of membership is 1).
(slang) The human clitoris.
(chemistry) The nucleus and electrons of an atom excluding its valence electrons.
To enclose within a kernel
To crenellate
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
A single seed or grain; as, a kernel of corn.
The central, substantial or essential part of anything; the gist; the core; as, the kernel of an argument.
To harden or ripen into kernels; to produce kernels.
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
A single whole grain of a cereal;
A kernel of corn
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
A smaller, representative unit of a larger whole.
A kernel of corn represents the entire crop.
Kernel Sentences
The kernel of truth in her story was hard to find.
Every popcorn kernel has the potential to pop.
The kernel of the idea came to him late at night.
A kernel of corn fell off the cob.
She collected the kernel from each cherry to plant new trees.
He explained the kernel of the problem during the meeting.
The story had a kernel of reality, surrounded by fiction.
He cracked the nut to get to the kernel inside.
The philosopher sought the kernel of wisdom in ancient texts.
The kernel update improved the computer's performance.
Every apricot kernel contains a small amount of cyanide.
The kernel of her belief system was compassion for others.
The operating system's kernel manages the computer's resources.
The kernel of the issue took them weeks to identify.
Each kernel on a cob of corn is a seed.
The biologist studied the kernel of different species of nuts.
The kernel of the conflict was a misunderstanding between the two parties.
A single rice kernel can start a new plant.
He kept the kernel of the peach as a souvenir of their trip.
The computer's kernel handles tasks like memory management and process scheduling.
The kernel of his argument was difficult to dispute.
Kernel Idioms & Phrases
A hard kernel to crack
A difficult problem to solve.
The mystery was a hard kernel to crack, but the detective was determined.
From the kernel to the husk
From the very inside to the very outside; thoroughly or completely.
He knew the business from the kernel to the husk, having built it from the ground up.
Seed and kernel
Referring to the essential part or origin of something.
Understanding the culture’s customs gets to the seed and kernel of its people’s way of life.
To find the kernel
To discover the essential part or truth.
Through his research, he aimed to find the kernel of the phenomenon.
Popcorn kernel
Often used to describe a situation or potential that's ready to explode or expand rapidly.
The young inventor was a popcorn kernel of creativity, just waiting to burst.
Kernel of truth
A small but fundamental truth in a situation often surrounded by exaggeration or misinformation.
Even in the most outrageous rumors, there's usually a kernel of truth.
Kernel of wisdom
A central, important piece of wisdom or knowledge.
The ancient parable offered a kernel of wisdom to those who understood its deeper meaning.
The kernel of the matter
The most important part of a situation or issue.
Once we get to the kernel of the matter, we can begin to find a solution.
Kernel of an idea
The basic but most important part of an idea.
The novel started from the kernel of an idea she had in college.
Nourish the kernel
To support or nurture the essential or most valuable part of something.
The mentorship program was designed to nourish the kernel of talent in young artists.
FAQs
What is the root word of Kernel?
Derived from Old English "cyrnel."
What is the pronunciation of Kernel?
It is pronounced as /ˈkɜr.nəl/.
Which vowel is used before Kernel?
The indefinite article "a" is used before "Kernel."
Why is it called Kernel?
It is called "Kernel" from Old English "cyrnel" meaning seed or pip.
What is the singular form of Kernel?
Kernel.
What is the verb form of Kernel?
Kernel is primarily a noun, and there isn't a widely-accepted verb form.
Which preposition is used with Kernel?
"Of," as in "kernel of truth."
What is the plural form of Kernel?
Kernels.
Is Kernel a countable noun?
Yes.
How do we divide Kernel into syllables?
Ker-nel.
What is another term for Kernel?
Core or essence.
Which conjunction is used with Kernel?
There's no specific conjunction exclusive to "Kernel"; it depends on context.
Is Kernel a vowel or consonant?
"Kernel" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is Kernel a collective noun?
No.
What part of speech is Kernel?
Noun.
Which determiner is used with Kernel?
Determiners like "this," "that," or "each" can be used.
What is the second form of Kernel?
N/A.
Which article is used with Kernel?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, depending on context.
Is Kernel a noun or adjective?
Noun.
Is Kernel an adverb?
No.
Is the word Kernel imperative?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in Kernel?
The first syllable, "Ker," is stressed.
What is the third form of Kernel?
N/A.
How is Kernel used in a sentence?
The kernel of the argument lies in differing beliefs.
Is Kernel an abstract noun?
It can be, especially when referring to the essential part of an idea or argument.
Is Kernel a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is the Kernel term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically, especially in literature or discussions.
How many syllables are in Kernel?
Two syllables.
What is the opposite of Kernel?
Shell or husk (in the context of seeds or grains).
What is the first form of Kernel?
Kernel is primarily a noun, so it doesn't have verb forms.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.