'shadow-generated' originates from the combination of 'shadow' and 'generate', where 'shadow' refers to a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface, and 'generate' means to produce or create.

'shadow' and 'generate' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, with 'shadow' coming from Old English 'sceadu' and 'generate' from Latin 'generare'.

Initially, 'shadow' meant 'shade' or 'darkness', and 'generate' meant 'to produce'. The combination 'shadow-generated' specifically refers to something created by shadows.