wonder – to think about sth of what is true and what will happen, feel surprise

He visited Nandankanan and wondered.

shadow – the dark shape of sb/sth form on the ground when they are between the light and the surface

The ship’s sail cast a shadow on the water.

shoot up – to grow very quickly

India-rubber ball – a ball that can bounce very high

buttercup – a yellow flower

arrant – bad