A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

MER

Sun, 19 Oct '25
Sea, to Seurat
Sun, 31 Aug '25
Adriatique, e.g.
Sun, 10 Aug '25
What abuts une côte
Sun, 27 Jul '25
___ de Glace (glacier in the French Alps)
Sun, 15 Jun '25
Eau zone?
Sat, 25 May '24
___ de Glace, largest glacier in the French Alps
Thu, 4 Apr '24
Mission involving Spirit and Opportunity, in brief
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"