gist vs kernel

gist and kernel both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
gist	Yes	No	No	No
kernel	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, gist and kernel are synonyms defined as:

gist and kernel: the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

gist (noun)	kernel (noun)
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience	the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work	a single whole grain of a cereal
	the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone