Final answer:
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system and reduces brain activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethanol, the chemical compound commonly referred to as ethyl alcohol, is a depressant. Depressants are a class of psychoactive drugs that slow down the central nervous system and reduce brain activity. Ethanol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid and is the principal type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.