kernel

4 definitions • 2 examples

the part of a nut that is inside the shell and can be eaten

the whole seed of the maize plant

the most important part of something, although it might not always be easy to find:

There is often a kernel of truth in what they say.

the edible part of a nut that is inside the shell, or the whole seed of a grain plant:

fig. There’s a kernel of truth in what he said (= some small part of it is true).