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A [[Lacanian ]] [[concept ]] derived from [[Saussurean ]] [[structural ]] [[linguistics]]. In structural linguistics, [[language ]] is a a [[system ]] in which there are no positive [[terms]], only differences. This means that language only refers to language; that [[words ]] are only distinct because they are not [[other ]] words. Imagine [[looking ]] for a definition of a [[word ]] in a [[dictionary]]. When one finds the definition it consists of only other words. This endless [[Signifying chain|chain of signifiers]] is halted by the [[master]]-[[signifier]].

The master-signifier is a signifier that points to ''itself'' instead of other [[signifiers]]. Žižek refers to [[Marx]]'s conception of [[commodity ]] [[fetishism ]] as an example of a master-signifier:

<blockquote>[[Money ]] refers to [[value ]] as such, and all other commodities are [[thought ]] of in terms of how much money one can get for [[them]]. That is, money as a commodity becomes [[self]]-referential -- money is worth (signifies) money, instead of [[being ]] worth X [[number ]] of commodities -- and all other commodities are worth ([[signify]]) money.<ref>Kotsko, Adam, ''Žižek and [[Theology]]'', 2008, 30.</ref> </blockquote>

Just as money in Marx's conception of [[commodity fetishism ]] is [[in-itself ]] devoid of value, the master-signifier is devoid of value, but provides a ''[[Point de capiton]]'' or [[quilting point ]] around which other signifiers can stabilize.