Exopodites

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Outer branches projecting from the basal segments of crustacean limbs that often serve in swimming or gill-like respiration
2. Paired outward-extending segments arising from the limb base of certain crustaceans, used for swimming and breathing
3. Lateral branches of biramous limbs in crustaceans, typically functioning as swimming paddles or respiratory structures

Etymology: "Exopodites" is the plural of "exopodite", a term for the outer branch of a crustacean's limb, the part that sits outside the main leg and in many species works as a paddle for swimming. The word is built from two Greek-derived pieces. "Exo-" comes from Greek "ex" (out of) and "éxō" (outside), and "podite" comes from Greek "pous" (foot), a segment or branch of a limb. Put together, an exopodite is literally an outer foot-piece.