kernel

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Old English cyrnel, diminutive of corn (“‘seed’”)

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈkɜː(ɹ).nəl/, SAMPA: /"k3:(r).n@l/

  Rhymes: -ɜː(r)nəl

• (US) IPA: /ˈkɝnəl/, SAMPA: /"k3`n@l/
• Homophones: colonel

[edit] Noun

kernel (plural kernels)

1. The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
2. The centre (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
3. A single seed or grain, especially of corn or wheat.
4. (computing) The central part of many computer operating systems which manages the system's resources and the communication between hardware and software components.
5. (US) The stone of certain fruits, such as peaches or plums.
6. (algebra) Those elements, in the domain of a function, which the function maps to zero.

[edit] Derived terms

• kernelization
• kernel of truth
• kernel hacker

[edit] Translations