kernelker‧nel /ˈkɜːnl $ ˈkɜːr-/ noun [countable] 
This evidence is the kernel of the defendants’ case.4[usually singular] a very small part or amount of somethingkernel of There may be a kernel of truth in what he says.
WORD ORIGINkernel
Origin:
Old English cyrnel, from corn; ➔ CORNWORD SETS
alfalfa, nounarable, adjectivebarley, nounbran, nouncacao, nouncanker, nouncash crop, nouncassava, nouncereal, nouncocoa, nouncorn, nouncrop, nouncrop-dusting, nouncrop rotation, nouncrop-spraying, nouncultivate, verbcultivated, adjectivecultivation, nouncultivator, noundrill, noundrill, verbear, nounfertilize, verbfertilizer, nounfield corn, noungerminate, verbglean, verbgrain, noungranary, noungrower, nounharvest, nounharvest, verbharvester, nounhay, nounhayloft, nounhaystack, nounhorticulture, nounkernel, nounlift, verbmaize, nounmalt, nounmarket garden, nounmillet, nounoats, nounorchard, nounorganic, adjectiveplant, verbplantation, nounpotato, nounproduce, nounpropagate, verbprune, verbreap, verbrice, nounrice paddy, nounripe, adjectiveroot crop, nounrotate, verbrye, nounryegrass, nounscion, nounseason, nounseed, verbseedbed, nounsheaf, nounsisal, nounsorghum, nounsow, verbsprout, nounstraw, nounstubble, nounsugar beet, nountaro, nountill, verbtillage, noununripe, adjectivevegetable, nounvineyard, nounviticulture, nounwheat, nounwindfall, nounwinnow, verb
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY There may be a kernel of truth in what he says.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
1the part of a nut or seed inside the shell, or the part inside the stone of some fruits2[usually singular] one of the small yellow pieces on a corn cob3[usually singular] the most important part of a statement, idea, plan etc SYN corekernel of There may be a kernel of truth in what he says.· Add corn kernels and simmer for 3 minutes.· Chop the dates into pieces about the size of corn kernels and set them aside as well.· Cut corn kernels from cobs and place in saucepan with carrot, bell pepper, garlic, onion, and stock.· Roughchop corn kernels to extract the natural sugar and corn milk.· Gently press corn kernel mixture into the flour-egg-cornmeal mixture.
This evidence is the kernel of the defendants’ case.4[usually singular] a very small part or amount of somethingkernel of There may be a kernel of truth in what he says.