pro·top·o·dite \-ˌdīt\noun (-s) Etymology:prot- + -podite : the basal part of a typical limb of a crustacean consisting of two more or less consolidated segments and bearing at its distal extremity an exopodite or endopodite or both • pro·top·o·dit·ic\ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|did.ik\adjective