Definition of: poaceous

(pō·ā′shəs) adjective Bot.
Of or pertaining to a large, widely distributed family (Poaceae) of annual or perennial herbs, the grasses. The inflorescence is spicate, racemose, or paniculate, with very small flowers, generally perfect or staminate. The fruit is a seedlike grain (caryopsis), having a starchy endosperm. The grasses producing food grains are known as cereals. Formerly called Gramineae or Graminaceae. [<Gk. poa grass + -ACEOUS]