'shadow-formed' originates from the combination of 'shadow' and 'formed', where 'shadow' refers to a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface, and 'formed' means having a specified shape or form.

'shadow' comes from Old English 'sceadu', and 'formed' comes from Old English 'geformod', both of which have retained their meanings over time.

Initially, 'shadow' meant a dark shape cast by an object, and 'formed' meant shaped or created. The combination 'shadow-formed' retains these meanings, referring to something shaped like a shadow.