I was recently wondering where the word `kernel' comes from in mathematics. I am sure the internet must know. I did manage to find
http://www.pballew.net/etyindex.html#k
which contains the origin of many math words but it doesn't have `kernel'; it also only seems to address math words you might run into in at most a 1st or 2nd year college math course. I'm wondering if anyone is aware of a reference that might address the origin of more modern math words (but not so modern that it doesn't discuss kernel).
EDIT: By `math etymology' I mean why a particular word was used for a certain math concept. Of course such an explanation might involve discussing the actual etymology of the word.
Best Answer
You'll want to check out Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics, maintained by Jeff Miller. In particular, an entry for 'kernel' appears here.