A cylinder is essentially the core of an engine. Inside the cylinder, a piston moves up and down.
Most cars, for example, have more than one cylinder. Cylinders in multi-cylinder engines are arranged inline, in a V shape, or flat (also called horizontally opposed or boxer).[1] The arrangements of cylinders can vary.
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[edit] Series Engine
Cylinders are lined up next to each other leading in the same direction. Cylinders located in a series such as this are usually in long, narrow engines.[2]
[edit] Opposed Cylinder Type Engine
An engine that is shorter but broader than in a series type is known as an opposed cylinder-type engine. This type of cylinder configuration is expensive and more susceptible to damage because the cylinders are spread far apart and require separate camshafts and carburetors.[3]
[edit] V-shape Cylinder Engine
The V-shaped cylinder configuration is very common and a good combination of the other two designs available. The shape of the engine is not long or high and the cylinders are positioned closer together.[4]
