/
ˈkəːn(ə)l/
n.
  - a softer part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone contained within its hard shell. ▸the seed and hard husk of a cereal, especially wheat. 
- the central or most important part of something. ▸Computing  the most basic level or core of an operating system. 
Etymology
OE cyrnel, dimin. of corn1.