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.
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Origin of think tank
1900–05 for earlier sense “brain”; 1955–60 for current sense
Also called think factory.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for think-tank
Contemporary Examples
In this earnest effort it joins every other news outlet and think-tank.
That fact has been completely overshadowed, said the think-tank head.
When the Washington-based think-tank Freedom House released its 33rd annual global rankings of press freedom, an uproar ensued.
We got it from academia sometimes, but never from a think-tank per se.
Rubin's link takes you to a transcript of an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, a think-tank which Hagel chairs.
Historical Examples
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 HordeCharles Alden Seltzer
You ought to be sent to Sulphur Springs and get your think-tank hoed out.
The Uphill ClimbB. M. Bower
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
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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
Word Origin and History for think-tank
think tank
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.)
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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.
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.
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.