The term alcohol generally refers to any of a class of organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to an aliphatic carbon atom. In popular usage, it often means ethanol or methanol when used as a beverage, and is also commonly associated with intoxication caused by the consumption of alcoholic drinks. However, in chemistry, "alcohol" has a broader meaning that includes not only ethyl and methyl alcohols but also other organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups.