kernel Meaning & Definition
What Does Kernel Mean?
Kernel is used as a noun meaning The core, center, or essence of an object or system. It is also used to mean The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed. As a verb, it means To enclose within a kernel.
Kernel: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈkɜː.nəl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | essence, core and pith |
| Antonyms | support and userland |
| Plural | kernels |
| Verb forms | kernels, and past participle |
Kernel Definition (Noun)
- The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
the kernel of an argument
- The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
- A single seed of 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.
- 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.
- The core engine of any complex software system.
- The simplified input to an algorithm that has undergone kernelization.
- A function used to define an integral transform.
The Dirichlet kernel convolved with a function yields its Fourier series approximation.
- The set of pairs of elements in the domain of f which are mapped to the same value; the equivalence relation x≡y⟺f(x)=f(y).
If a function is continuous then its kernel is a closed set.
- The set of elements of the domain of f which are mapped to an identity element. The set of elements of G which are mapped to the identity of H (usually written as 0 in an additive group and as 1 in a multiplicative group). The set of elements of R which are mapped to the additive identity 0 of S. The set of elements of M which are mapped to the additive identity 0 of N.
- The set of elements of G which are mapped to the identity of H (usually written as 0 in an additive group and as 1 in a multiplicative group).
- The set of elements of R which are mapped to the additive identity 0 of S.
- The set of elements of M which are mapped to the additive identity 0 of N.
- The equalizer of f and the zero morphism from X to Y, denoted kerf. The source of kerf, denoted Kerf.
- The source of kerf, denoted Kerf.
- The set of members of a fuzzy set that are fully included (i.e., whose grade of membership is 1).
- The human clitoris.
- The nucleus and electrons of an atom excluding its valence electrons.
- A seed, metaphorically: a concept or principle with a distinct essence that exists within a larger context and has potential for growth, development, and propagation, by the same mental model as a seed of doubt or a kernel of truth (grain of truth), and comparable to a nugget (of wisdom, advice, etc) or a pearl (such as a pearl of wisdom).
- Synonym of seedling (“plant variety from seedling origin”).
Ashmead's Kernel
Kernel as a Verb
- To enclose within a kernel
- To crenellate
Noun
- A single seed or grain, especially of corn or wheat.
- 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.
- (fuzzy set theory) The set of members of a fuzzy set that are fully included (i.e., whose grade of membership is 1).
Synonyms of Kernel
Kernel synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Kernel
Kernel in a Sentence
the kernel of an argument
a kernel of self-belief that never wavered
The Linux kernel is open-source.
The Dirichlet kernel convolved with a function yields its Fourier series approximation.
If a function is continuous then its kernel is a closed set.
Ashmead's Kernel
Word Forms & Grammar
kernel (plural kernels)
kernel (third-person singular simple present kernels, present participle (US) kerneling or (UK) kernelling, simple past and past participle (US) kerneled or (UK) kernelled)
Words That Rhyme With Kernel
Origin of Kernel
From Middle English kernel, kirnel, kürnel, from Old English cyrnel, from Proto-West Germanic *kurnil, diminutive of Proto-Germanic *kurną (“seed, grain, corn”), equivalent to corn + -le. Cognate with Yiddish קערנדל (kerndl), Middle Dutch kernel, cornel, Middle High German kornel. Related also to Old Norse kjarni (“kernel”).
How Do You Say Kernel?
Kernel is pronounced //ˈkɜː.nəl// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kernel
Is kernel a noun or a verb?
Kernel is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for kernel?
You can replace kernel with words such as essence, core and pith. See the full list of kernel synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of kernel?
The plural of kernel is kernels.
What is the past tense of kernel?
The past tense of kernel is and past participle.