Bridgehead
WordNet
noun
(1) A defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy
(2) An area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
"An attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"
"The only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- An area around the end of a bridge.
- A fortification around the end of a bridge.
- An area of ground on the enemy's side of a bridge, especially one that needs to be taken and defended in order to secure an advance.
- Either of the two atoms in different parts of a molecule that are connected by a bridge.