kernel vs gist

kernel and gist both are nouns.

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

As nouns, kernel and gist are synonyms defined as:

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

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