CYNOSURUS, in botany: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the triandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 4th order, Gramina. The calyx is bivalved and multiferous; the receptacle proper, unilateral, and foliaceous. There are ten species, four of which are natives of Britain, viz. the cristatus, or crested dog-tail grass; the echinatus, or rough dog-tail grass; the cœruleus, or blue dog-tail grass; and the panicus, or bearded dog-tail grass.