(n) a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation, Example:the Germans were desperately trying to contain the Anzio beachhead
(n) an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments, Syn. foothold, Example:the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors; they are presently attempting to gain a foothold in the Russian market
n. an area in hostile territory that has been occupied and is held to allow aditional troops and supplies to enter. Syn. -- bridgehead, foothold. [ WordNet 1.5 ]