The Enigma machine was a complex encoding device used by the German military during World War II to transmit coded messages. This iconic machine was also known as the "chiffriermaschine", "cipher machine", or "code-breaking machine". Other synonyms for the Enigma machine include "encryption machine", "coding machine", and "cryptographic machine". The Enigma machine was considered one of the most sophisticated cipher machines of its time, and was prized for its ability to scramble messages in a nearly unbreakable code. Despite its powerful encryption capabilities, the Enigma machine was ultimately cracked by a team of Allied codebreakers, leading to a significant strategic advantage in the war effort.