HeyRuaHow to say “kernel” in Irish
- Irish:
- eithne
- English:
- kernel, nucleus
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “EN-yuh” /ˈɛnʲə/
- Plural:
- eithní (kernels)
- Genitive singular:
- eithne, na heithne (e.g. lár na heithne, the centre of the kernel)
- Genitive plural:
- eithní, na n-eithní (e.g. blaosc na n-eithní, the shell of the kernels)
What does “eithne” mean?
“Eithne” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- kernel
- The edible inner part of a nut or seed, inside the shell.Also: nut kernel, seed, grain.
1 other meaning: nucleus
- 2nucleus
- The central core of something, such as an atom or a cell.Also: core, atomic nucleus, cell nucleus.
“Eithne” with the article
The plural of kernel in Irish is eithní. Here is eithne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Eithne” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eithne, the Irish word for kernel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Kernel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for kernel?
The Irish for kernel is eithne (pronounced “EN-yuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is eithní. Depending on context it can also mean nucleus.
How do you pronounce eithne in Irish?
Eithne is said like “EN-yuh” (IPA /ˈɛnʲə/).
What is the plural of kernel in Irish?
The plural of eithne is eithní; with the article, na heithní means “the kernels”. The genitive plural is eithní, as in blaosc na n-eithní (the shell of the kernels).
Does eithne have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eithne can mean kernel or nucleus, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does eithne sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eithne (the kernel), a heithne (her kernel), a n-eithne (their kernel), na heithní (the kernels).
Is 'eithne' related to the girl's name Eithne?
The spelling is the same, but in everyday use 'eithne' as a common noun means a kernel or nucleus; the name is written with a capital, Eithne.
What is the adjective from 'eithne'?
The adjective is 'eithneach', meaning nuclear, as in 'fuinneamh eithneach' (nuclear energy).
