A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

MER

Sun, 11 Feb '24
Place for poissons
Tue, 6 Feb '24
Lead-in to maid or man
Mon, 22 Jan '24
Sea: Fr.
Sun, 21 May '23
Eau so big?
Mon, 7 Mar '22
Sea: Fr.
Sun, 11 Jul '21
Île be there?
Sun, 6 Jun '21
Adriatique, e.g.
Sun, 21 Feb '21
Big bleu expanse
Sat, 16 Jan '21
Lead-in to some water-dwelling "folk"