The term 'cast a shadow' can be summarized by the crossword solution SHADED, which is a six-letter word. To cast a shadow means to create a dark area or shape on a surface due to an object blocking light from reaching it. This phenomenon is caused by the obstruction of light rays from a source, such as the sun, by an object in its path. Shadows can also be created by artificial light sources, such as lamps or spotlights.