Alcohols are commonly identified by their -OH hydroxyl group. However, what is the proper nomenclature when it is part of a compound? Surely not every compound with a hydroxyl group is an alcohol. But, is the hydroxyl group itself considered an alcohol? Or is it considered just a hydroxyl group? Basically, when would you consider the -OH to be an alcohol compared to just being a plain ol' hydroxyl group? Does it have to do with whether or not it forms aldehyde when it is oxidized?