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

“Neither ground nor air campaigns are effective at defeating an indigenous armed movement,” said Randa Slim, Middle East program director at the Stimson Center think tank.

From The Wall Street Journal

The flaw was reportedly discovered on Thursday by John Hewitt from the corporate services provider Ghost Mail, who alerted Companies House and the independent think tank the Tax Policy Associates.

From BBC

"That is one of the key disadvantages the EU is facing compared to the US and China," said analyst Philipp Lausberg of the European Policy Centre think tank.

From Barron's

Some lawmakers and think tanks advocate for simplifying the tax credit so it is less daunting for businesses.

From Barron's

Rafael Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, attributes falling crime in the U.S. partly to people’s changing behavior, including diminished alcohol use.

From The Wall Street Journal