An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Chemistry: The remainder of an atom after the valence electrons have been removed.
   

2a) Math.: 1) The set of elements that a given function from one set to a second set maps into the identity of the second set.

2b) Let A be a linear transformation of the vector space U into the vector space V . The collection of all those vectors x in U such that Ax = 0 is called the kernel of A and is denoted by ker(A).

3. Computers: The set of functions that make up the operating system, the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the operating system. → core = maqzé (مغزه); → nucleus = hasté (هسته).

Etymology (EN): Kernel, from M.E. kirnel, from O.E. cyrnel, from P.Gmc. *kurnilo- (cf. M.H.G. kornel, M.Du. cornel), from *kernan- (root of corn “seed, grain”), akin to L. granium, + -el, diminutive suffix, variant of → -al.

Etymology (PE): Astel, from asté “kernel, fruit stone,” variants hasté, ostoxân “bone,”
from Mid.Pers. astak “fruit stone, bone,” ast “bone;” Av. ast- “bone;” cf. Skt. asthi- “bone;” Gk. osteon; L. os; Hittite hashtai-; PIE base *os-

• Pers. diminutive suffix -el→ -al.