A nun buoy is a type of buoy that is cylindrical in shape and is used to mark navigational hazards such as submerged rocks, shoals, and wrecks. It is characterized by a red and white color scheme and a distinctive shape that resembles a cylindrical tower. The term "nun buoy" is derived from the nautical term "nun" which is a marking on a navigational chart that indicates a hazard. There are several synonyms for the word "nun buoy" including can buoy, cylindrical buoy, tower buoy, and day beacon. Each of these terms refers to a buoy that is used for navigational purposes and shares similar physical characteristics with a nun buoy.