How to approach accessing large amounts of data using javascript

I'm working on a personal web project to create a practice test website for students at my university. I have a list of a bunch of words (100+) with their definitions, word families and whatnot. Currently I have the entire list copy and pasted directly into the javascript code (I know, I'm so sorry) but this is gross and I'm looking for a more elegant solution.

Can I draw the data from a text file, or perhaps a database using javascript? I'm rather new to web development (in terms of structure) and was wondering if I could get some direction. I am using CPanel currently running on my school's server with my student account. I have access to MySQL databases and the whole suite of tools.

Thank you!