think tank
a research institute or organization employed to solve complex problems or predict or plan future developments, as in military, political, or social areas.
Origin of think tank
1- Also called think factory.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use think tank in a sentence
“The events this year with Ukraine led to his ties with Cato being severed,” a source at the think tank told The Daily Beast.
Vaclav Klaus, Libertarian Hero, Has His Wings Clipped by Cato Institute | James Kirchick | December 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn this earnest effort it joins every other news outlet and think-tank.
The illuminating think tank was just another example of how PepsiCo continues to make sure its global reach counts.
The libertarian think tank is housed at George Mason University.
The Sleazy War on the Humane Society | Center for Public Integrity | August 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“The mission right now is to save the Kurdish people,” Veysel Ayhan, head of the IMPR think tank in Ankara, told The Daily Beast.
PKK Kurdish Terrorists Are Fighting IS Terrorists With U.S. Help | Thomas Seibert | August 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Got a old maid with her to keep her company—a chapper-own, they say—which ain't in no ways illuminatin' my think-tank none.
The Trail Horde | Charles Alden SeltzerWell, just lemmee drop it into your think tank, an' lay to what I say.
Moran of the Lady Letty | Frank NorrisYou ought to be sent to Sulphur Springs and get your think-tank hoed out.
The Uphill Climb | B. M. BowerOne more bubble out of the old think-tank and I'll let you off for the day.
Skylark Three | Edward Elmer Smith
British Dictionary definitions for think-tank
informal a group of specialists organized by a business enterprise, governmental body, etc, and commissioned to undertake intensive study and research into specified problems
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for 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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with 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.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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