Simple definition
LXC runs isolated Linux environments that share the host kernel while maintaining separate namespaces and resource limits.
Purpose and use
LXC, Linux Containers, runs isolated Linux environments that share the host kernel.
How does it work?
Namespaces, resource limits and other controls compose the environment; each container has its own userspace.
Example and verification
Inspect mounts, identities and allocated resources when an application behaves differently from its VM deployment.
Points to watch
Sharing the kernel distinguishes LXC from a VM with its own guest kernel. Privileged containers require particular care.
In short
A system container remains dependent on the host kernel and its controls.