Force bank to provide short term storage (6)
I believe the answer is:
fridge
'short term storage' is the definition.
(where food may be stored)
'force bank' is the wordplay.
'force' becomes 'F' (symbol used in Physics e.g. f=ma).
'bank' becomes 'ridge'.
'f'+'ridge'='FRIDGE'
'to provide' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for fridge that I've seen before include "Food cooler" , "Cooler in kitchen" , "A domestic appliance" , "Cooling cabinet (abbr)" .)