microkernel

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noun

A minimal operating system kernel offering basic mechanisms rather than abstract services.

UncommonScrabble 19

Meanings

nounmicrokernel (plural microkernels)

plural microkernels

  1. operating systemsA minimal operating system kernel offering basic mechanisms rather than abstract services.
    1 more example

    In the 1980s, microkernel systems emerged. Microkernel systems were similar to security kernels in that they aimed for minimal functionality in the kernel, but microkernel systems focused on providing system abstractions for building complete systems more easily and more efficiently, rather than more securely.

    2008, Trent Jaeger, Operating System Security, Morgan & Claypool Publishers, →ISBN, page 95

Origin

Translations

Chinese Mandarin 微內核 /微内核
  • 微內核 /微内核 (wēi nèihé)a minimal operating system kernel
Czech mikrojádro
  • mikrojádroa minimal operating system kernel
French micronoyau
  • micronoyaua minimal operating system kernel
German Mikrokernel
  • Mikrokernela minimal operating system kernel
Cite this entry
APA

microkernel. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/microkernel

MLA

“microkernel.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/microkernel. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “microkernel,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/microkernel.

Source: microkernel on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.