# What do physicists mean when they say “speed of light”?

Does it make sense to say, "The speed of light varies?" Some may say right off the bat "Yes, it changes as a wave passes through a different medium." However, I'd like to say no, because when I hear someone say the speed of light, I always think of the constant $c$ (unless the medium is specified to not be a vacuum, but then it isn't $c$ anymore), not the speed of a particular wave. To me, it makes more sense to say something like, "The speed of a particular wave varies." What is the correct way to state this in the professional world? And in general, when professional physicists say "the speed of light," are they referring to the constant or the actual speed of the wave?

-
It sounds like you're asking whether, when physicists say "the speed of light," are they referring to the actual propagation velocity of a light wave or the universal constant? If so, that's specific enough to physics that I think it's okay here. (My guideline: asking "what does X mean" goes on English; asking "what does X mean to physicists" goes here.) –  David Z Sep 19 '11 at 20:03
Yes, that's exactly what I'm asking! –  MGZero Sep 19 '11 at 20:03
OK, cool. I edited your question a bit to (hopefully) clarify it. Feel free to edit it further or revert if you think it's necessary. –  David Z Sep 19 '11 at 20:19