think tank

noun

a research institute or organization employed to solve complex problems or predict or plan future developments, as in military, political, or social areas.
Also called think factory.

Origin of think tank

1900–05 for earlier sense “brain”; 1955–60 for current sense

Words nearby think tank

think on one's feet, think out, think over, think piece, think positive, think tank, think the world of, think through, think twice, think up, think-tank

Words related to think-tank

workshop

Example sentences from the Web for think-tank

British Dictionary definitions for think-tank

think-tank

noun

informal a group of specialists organized by a business enterprise, governmental body, etc, and commissioned to undertake intensive study and research into specified problems

Cultural definitions for think-tank

think tank

An institution in which scholars pursue research in public policy. Largely funded by endowments and grants, think tanks work to improve public awareness of policy issues (through publications) and to influence the government to act upon issues of national importance. (See power elite.)

Idioms and Phrases with think-tank

think tank

A group or organization dedicated to problem-solving and research, especially in such areas as technology, social or political strategy, and the military. For example, The congressional leaders rely too heavily on that conservative think tank. This term originated about 1900 as a facetious colloquialism for brain and was given its new meaning about 1950.