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WAHLWORT :
Any non-textual word or phrase used at the beginning or end of
German cipher text to avoid stereotyped beginnings and endings; a
"padding" word or phrase.
WHEATSTONE MACHINE :
A ciphering device consisting essentially of (1) a circular dial
having an outer ring which is divided into 27, and an inner ring
which is divided into 26 equal compartments, and (2) two hands
pivoted at its centre - the larger serving the outer ring and the
smaller the inner - so geared together that for each complete
revolution of the larger the smaller turns through one revolution
and a twenty-sixth (in other words, so that when the larger hand
is advanced any number of compartments round the outer ring, the
smaller hand moves forward the same number of compartments round the
inner ring). The plain alphabet (with one additional sign) is
written in the compartments of the outer ring and the cipher
alphabet in those of the inner ring. Enciphering is done by
pointing the larger hand at the letters of the plain language in
turn, moving it always in the same (clockwise) direction, and
writing down the cipher letters indicated by the smaller hand for
each. The effect of the difference in the number of compartments
in the two rings and the gearing is that the smaller hand is
advanced one compartment in relation to the larger for each
complete revolution of the larger, thus giving a new cipher
alphabet for each of twenty six revolutions, or rather a simple
slide of one on the original cipher sequence.
WHEEL :
Used for wheel-pattern; see Pattern.
WHEEL-ORDER :
Order in which the interchangeable wheels, especially of an Enigma
Machine, are arranged on a particular day or other period.
WHEEL-SETTING :
Letter or number on rim of wheel of cipher machine serving (usually
in conjunction with window or other mark) to indicate position of
wheel at commencement of enciphering.
WHEEL TRACK :
(in Enigma machines; esp. machines with numerous turn-overs).
Pattern showing position of turn-over-producing teeth or notches
in relation to the letters of the alphabet-bearing tyre.
WILLI WILLI :
A short weather message in a special code sent normally by a U-boat
reciphered on Enigma using special indicator tables and forming a
tie-up with Met. ciphers.
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