think tank

American  

noun

1. 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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think-tank British  

noun

1. 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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think tank Cultural  

1. 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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think tank Idioms  

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of think tank

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

Example Sentences

"It is a direct blow to the state's security architecture and governing apparatus," said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at British think tank Chatham House.

From Barron's

Simons faced claims the think tank he used to run commissioned a report which looked into the background of journalists.

From BBC

Its missile arsenal, for example, counts as its main counter to the U.S. and Israel, said Rose Kelanic, Director of the Middle East Program at the Defense Priorities think tank.

From Los Angeles Times

“Rough Rider did a significant amount of damage to the Houthis,” said Gregory Johnsen, a fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute think tank.

From The Wall Street Journal

Power consumption by data centres in Indonesia -- where coal generates nearly 70 percent of electricity -- will likely quadruple by 2030, according to energy think tank Ember.

From Barron's